Bournemouth are closing in on a deal to sign Karl Darlow.
According to the Daily Mail, goalkeeper Karl Darlow is set to join Bournemouth from Newcastle United this summer.
With Mark Travers’ future at Bournemouth in doubt, Andoni Iraola is seemingly keen to bolster his goalkeeping options ahead of the new campaign. Neto was the established first choice between the sticks last season, and at 24-years-old, Travers will seemingly have to go elsewhere if he wants to be a No. 1 again.
Andoni will want to ensure that the outbound academy graduate is replaced by someone who can genuinely compete with Neto, and provide reliable back up. Darlow, who has plenty of top flight experience, ticks those boxes for the Cherries.
Why Bournemouth should bring in Karl Darlow
Whilst Darlow has never been the undisputed first choice in his nine years on Tyneside, he has rarely let the Magpies down when called upon. He played 25 times in the 2020/21 season, whilst Martin Dubravka was sidelined with injury, and impressed. He made 100 appearances for the Magpies in total, across all competitions. Prior to his move to St James’ Park, Darlow was the Nottingham Forest No. 1, and played 111 times for the club who are now amongst Bournemouth’s Premier League rivals.
Darlow will likely be available for a very reasonable fee, and would be a welcome addition at the Vitality Stadium. The 6’3” ace is a good shot-stopper and commands his area well. At 32-years-old, he is in his prime years for a goalkeeper, and has experience that could prove invaluable.