Loris Karius reveals he had to make a 'quick decision' when Newcastle United made an unexpected approach last week. The former Liverpool goalkeeper has signed a short-term deal at St James' Park to provide competition for Nick Pope.
Newcastle sanctioned a deadline-day loan exit for Martin Dubravka after the Slovakian international lost his starting spot to the summer signing. Karl Darlow and Mark Gillespie were expected to provide cover, but an ankle injury for the former Nottingham Forest shot-stopper prompted the Magpies to move swiftly to secure a replacement.
Karius was a free agent following his release from Liverpool, and has spent the last three seasons on loan with Besiktas and his most recent spell at Union Berlin. The 29-year-old did not find a new club during the summer transfer window, but agreed a deal with Newcastle less than 24 hours after being told of the club's interest.
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Karius told NUFC TV: "Everything happened so quick, I had to make a quick decision. But for me, it was clear that it felt good from the first moment when I had talks that I want to come here and join the team. It came out of nowhere and it's a good opportunity for me.
When pressed to explain the timeline behind Newcastle's move outside the transfer window, Karius added: "I was at my place in Berlin last night [September 7] and I got a call from my agent about talks with Newcastle about signing a goalkeeper, and if I can imagine going there. I had to be there by tomorrow to finalise everything.
"I had five or 10 minutes to make my mind up, and tell him to progress and move forward. I got my flight tickets around midnight, and left at 4.30am. It was all very crazy, but now I'm here. I'm still a little bit tired from my travels, but I'm looking forward to everything."
Karius has agreed a contract until January, with Newcastle holding an option to extend his stay until the end of the season. The Magpies' latest signing is expected to provide backup for Pope, but hopes to force his way into the starting lineup during what could prove to be brief stay on Tyneside.
Karius said: "Obviously my aim is to help first of all him [Pope] by pushing him to make good performances. But also I want to progress myself, and if there's game-time then that will be great for me.
"I want to support the other boys and to play my part in the team for us to be successful. If there's game-time, that's even better. Otherwise, I support the other boys."
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