Newcastle United were already looking ahead to January and next summer after the transfer window closed last week. However, when Karl Darlow went down with an ankle injury in training, the Magpies were forced to act.
Regardless of how long Darlow is out for, Newcastle clearly felt they had to bring in cover after respecting Martin Dubravka's wishes and letting the goalkeeper complete a loan switch to Manchester United last month. Hence the shock move for Loris Karius.
Karius looks set to join on a short-term deal after leaving Liverpool earlier this summer, and, crucially, the shot-stopper can immediately hit the ground running after keeping himself in shape during the off-season. Karius also has Premier League experience, speaks fluent English and, by all accounts, is a positive, hard-working presence in the dressing room.
