Luton sign ex-Newcastle keeper Tim Krul
The goalkeeper has 15 caps for The Netherlands, including a World Cup quarter final appearance in 2014
Luton Town has announced the signing of experienced Dutch international goalkeeper, Tim Krul from Norwich City.
35-year-old Krul, brings a wealth of Premier League experience to the Hatters goalkeeping department, with 222 Premier League appearances for Newcastle United and Norwich City. He has also made 98 appearances in the Championship and has been part of three Championship-winning sides.
He has been given the number 23 shirt, the same number he wore for the Netherlands at the 2014 World Cup, where they finished third. During the tournament, Krul was famously subbed on late in extra time against Costa Rica during the quarter finals. He went on to save two penalties in the shootout, helping his side to advance.
Upon his signing for The Hatters Tim Krul has said: “The story of Luton Town speaks for itself, the last nine years has been an amazing journey and I’m excited to join that journey. It’s been a whirlwind for the club; I spoke to Carlton Morris and he spoke very highly about what’s happening at this club.
“I know Thomas Kaminski as well, it’s good to speak a bit of Dutch Flemish to him. It’s so important to have competition for places, if you look at the Premier League teams, they have lots of competition for spots and it should be no different here.”
His career so far:
Newcastle: July 2006 - June 2016 (184 appearances)
Falkirk (loan): June 2007 - June 2008 (0 appearances)
Carlisle United (loan): July 2008 - Jan 2009 (9 appearances)
Ajax (loan): Aug 2016 (0 appearances)
Jong Ajax (loan): Aug 2016 - Jan 2017 (6 appearances)
AZ Alkmaar (loan): Jan 2017 - June 2017 (22 appearances)
Brighton & Hove Albion: Sept 2017 - June 2018 (5 appearances)
Norwich City: July 2018 - Aug 2023 (169 appearances)
Luton Town: Aug 2023 - present
Netherlands: 2011 - 2022 (15 caps)
Rob Edwards said: “Tim’s a leader and a top goalkeeper who is still very and ambitious and very hungry. He wants to play.
“It’s great to have someone of his level in the group with that ambition and to be that driven, and it’s going to add great competition to the goalkeeper department, which is what we’ve wanted.
“I’m really pleased because he’s a good person, with great experience of this level which is important for us. Recently we’ve brought in some good experience and Tim certainly gives us that as well as being a quality goalkeeper and a leader.
“I’ve said how essential the position is, and I’m delighted that we’ve been able to bring in two quality goalkeepers to add real competition.
“He’s a great guy, a proper bloke, who has an air of confidence, a good swagger and a belief about his ability, because he’s been there and done it. He’s played in the World Cup, has experience in the Premier League. He’s the 10th signing and I’m delighted with every single one of them.”
Where I think Krul will fit into the squad
Krul becomes the Hatters’ 10th signing of the window and will compete for the starting goalkeeper position with Thomas Kaminski. I think his leadership and experience will be key for the side, and shows real intent on making sure our time in the Premier League is not just a flash in the pan.
His World Cup heroics show he is someone who can step up and perform on the big stage and play a key role. The additions of Krul and Ross Barkley provide experience in the division and they will hopefully play key roles in the season.
However, even though age isn’t as much of an issue between the sticks, Krul is 35-years-old. Many critics will say he is past his best - the 2014 World Cup was nine years ago after all. But maybe this role, and the competition for the top spot becomes the inspiration for a twilight career revival. Only time will tell.
Fun fact:
The season Tim Krul made his Premier League debut for Newcastle (2010-11), Luton lost on penalties to AFC Wimbledon in the Conference Play-Off final.
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