Newcastle have sent goalkeeper Tim Krul on a season long loan to fellow Premier League new boys Brighton, with the Seagulls keen on making the deal permanent should the Netherlands international impress at the end of the campaign.
Krul spent last season on loan with Eredivisie sides Ajax and AZ Alkmaar, but returned to Saint James’ Park in July for pre-season training and was told by manager Rafa Benitez to find new club.
The 29-year-old last appeared in goal for the Toons in March 2015. Krul has a year left on his current contract, and would now reunite with one-time Newcastle manager Chris Hughton at the Amex Stadium.
While the club would be strengthening and aiding the cause of a direct, and most likely relegation-battling rivals, that Krul is way past his prime can’t be denied.
The penalty expert shipped 43 goals in 22 games last season, and it’s only right to part ways, albeit temporarily, with him after 12 years.
Rob Elliot, Karl Darlow, Freddie Woodman would be left to take charge of the goalkeeping duties in the absence of Krul, and they are definitely capable hands.