Newcastle United's newest signing, Loris Karius, received a surprising message from one of the greatest goalkeepers to pull on a Magpies shirt this week, with Shay Given offering the German some good luck after his Tyneside switch.
Karius' free transfer was confirmed on Monday as the former Liverpool stopper arrived on a short-term basis following his Merseyside release this summer. The 29-year-old's emergency arrival follows Karl Darlow's recent ankle injury in training.
The new Newcastle goalkeeper earned floods of well-wishes on Instagram after posting images of his unveiling, with Liverpool goalkeeping coaches John Achterberg and Claudio Taffarel sending support over the social media site. Given also left an encouraging message for Karius, writing: "Best of luck at the toon Loris."
READ MORE: Eddie Howe's 'entertaining' Bournemouth success and how Newcastle United are now replicating it
Karius is unlikely to match Given's number of Newcastle appearances after arriving on an emergency basis to play backup to Nick Pope throughout the rest of the season. However, the former Besiktas stopper believes he has a big role to play in Eddie Howe's squad this term.
"I've really missed the feeling of training with the team every day," Karius told NUFCtv. "I've been keeping fit and training by myself but I'm really looking forward to getting back in the rhythm with the team and training with really high quality every day.
"At the end of the day, if I can get some games that is great but otherwise I will push the others to be their best in training. We will see at the end but I think it can be a good situation for both parties."
Karius suffered a dramatic fall from grace after a disastrous Champions League final performance for Liverpool back in 2018. After two mistakes for separate Real Madrid goals, Jurgen Klopp sent the despondent goalkeeper out on loan to try and revive his career.
However, spells at Besiktas and Union Berlin failed to turn things around and Karius departed Anfield permanently earlier this summer. The stopper hasn't featured in a competitive game since February 2021.
READ MORE
- PSG president makes 'dream' vow that is good news for Newcastle owners' exciting long-term plan
- Mike Ashley's plan to appoint his neighbour at Newcastle who Arsenal legend Arsene Wenger loved
- PSG chief indirectly hints at other clubs' Newcastle fear after their response to transfer bids
- Liverpool and Premier League clubs give Newcastle what Sir Alex loved at Manchester United
- Newcastle get reassuring two words from Liverpool source that hint at shock move to be announced
