Eddie Howe insists Newcastle have signed Loris Karius to "provide competition and support" for their goalkeeping department.
The former Liverpool stopper, 29, has agreed a four-month contract with Newcastle following an ankle injury to fellow goalkeeper Karl Darlow in training. The Premier League side have the option to extend Karius' deal until the end of the season.
Karius became a free agent in June when his Liverpool contract expired. The German hasn't played a competitive match since his loan spell at Bundesliga outfit Union Berlin during the 2020/21 campaign, failing to even make the bench for the Reds last term.
"We are pleased to add Loris to our goalkeeping group," said Howe. "He is a very good goalkeeper with Premier League and European experience and he will provide competition and support over an important part of the season."
Karius is expected to support Newcastle's first-choice goalkeeper Nick Pope while Darlow recovers from his ankle complaint. Former Carlisle stopper Mark Gillespie is the other senior goalkeeper in Newcastle's squad and will battle Karius for a place on the bench.
The Toon said goodbye to former first-choice goalkeeper Martin Dubravka on deadline day, as he agreed to join Manchester United on a season-long loan deal. The Red Devils have the option to sign Dubravka on a permanent basis at the end of the term.
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Karius added: "I'm excited. It's a good opportunity for me and a great project to be part of. It didn't take me long to make a decision. Newcastle have a great coach and play really attractive football. I felt it was the right project for me and I'm excited to work with the coaches and my new teammates."
Karius' stock has fallen significantly since he made two mistakes in Liverpool's Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid in May 2018. It was later revealed the former Mainz goalkeeper suffered a concussion before making the crucial errors.
Despite this, Karius never played another competitive game for Liverpool. Manager Jurgen Klopp signed Alisson from Roma and sent Karius on loan to Turkish outfit Besiktas, where he played 67 games in all competitions during a two-year spell.
Karius spent the final year of his Liverpool contract in the reserves after an unconvincing spell at Union Berlin, where he made just five appearances in all competitions. His short-term spell at Newcastle gives him a shot at redemption, although he's unlikely to play.
As it stands, Karius will not come up against Liverpool during his time at Newcastle. The two sides have already faced each other at Anfield this season, with the return fixture due to take place in February - after his contract his expired.
Speaking in January, Klopp said: "He [Karius] is a really good shape. He is training really hard and he is fully committed. That is clear... I wish Loris only the best and he will find a club whether it is now or in the summer and from there he will go on, I’m very sure."
