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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 8, 2021: Liverpool's goalkeeper Loris Karius during the pre-match warm-up before a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Athletic Club de Bilbao at Anfield. The game ended in a 1-1 draw. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Loris Karius makes surprise Premier League return with short-term deal

After departing Anfield at the conclusion of his contract in the summer, Loris Karius has now found a new club, signing for Newcastle on a short-term deal.

The 29-year-old ended his six-year spell with Liverpool, having spent last season entirely on the periphery after two different loan spells.

Karius did not feature for the Reds following the 2018 Champions League final, instead spending time with Besiktas and Union Berlin on loan as he struggled to find a new club to re-establish himself.

The goalkeeper left Liverpool having experienced plenty of “ups and downs” and had stated he was “ready mentally and physically” for his next challenge.

And that has taken him back to the Premier League, until January at least, with Newcastle signing Karius as a free agent following an injury to second-choice ‘keeper Karl Darlow.

Newcastle hold an option to extend Karius’ deal until the end of the season.

Darlow is set for a spell on the sidelines after sustaining a torn ankle ligament in training on Wednesday and with Martin Dubravka on loan at Man United, it has left Eddie Howe short.

Karius will now act as deputy to Nick Pope, with Mark Gillespie also in the goalkeeping ranks for Howe.

The German’s last competitive appearance was in February 2021, with Union Berlin, and the move to Newcastle represents a valuable opportunity for Karius to get his career back on track.

The 29-year-old made 49 appearances for the Reds during his six years on the club’s books.