Rob Lee spoke exclusively to Football FanCast about Karl Darlow’s future and he has no doubt the 30-year-old will be a number one for another Premier League club.
Steve Bruce made it clear who his number one is by bringing in Martin Dubravka for Darlow despite the latter not putting a foot wrong this season and performing out of his skin.
Darlow has a very respectable 6.79 rating on WhoScored and considering Newcastle have conceded the second-most goals this season, it highlights how good he’s been and no Newcastle fan would like to think where they’d be without his heroics this campaign.
Will Darlow be at Newcastle next season?
Yes, he’s our number one!
No, he needs a new start!
Losing his starting will be a huge blow, and you have to wonder whether it could be the final nail in the coffin for the former Nottingham Forest shot-stopper.
He’s had to bide his time since Dubravka arrived and settle for cup appearances and with the Slovakian taking his spot back, he may see it as his time to move on.
Lee told Football FanCast he can’t see why Darlow would stay to be a backup keeper when he’s got the ability to be a number one keeper in the Premier League.
Lee spoke glowingly when asked if Darlow would slot into another Premier League club: “Yeah, without a doubt. He’s been one of the top goalkeepers in the league.”
He added: “I think a lot of clubs will be after him based on his form. He’s obviously on the verge of earning an England call up I would say and deservedly so.
“I won’t be surprised if he leaves.”
Darlow has proved himself to be an excellent shot-stopper this season, however, Bruce appears to trust Dubravka more.
He’s 30-years old now and entering his peak years for a goalkeeper, would he waste those years sitting on Newcastle’s bench after the season he’s had?