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Tim Krul
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Tim Krul
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Timothy Michael Krul (Dutch pronunciation: [ˈkrʏl]; born 3 April 1988) is a Dutch former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper.

Key Information

Krul's career began at youth clubs RAS and ADO Den Haag before moving to Newcastle United in 2005. At Newcastle, he made his debut in the UEFA Cup, securing a clean sheet in his first game. He signed a new four-year contract with Newcastle in 2007 and had loan spells at Falkirk and Carlisle United. His return to Newcastle saw him rise from backup to first-choice goalkeeper. He won awards and received a new contract. He had loans to Ajax and AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands, providing him with first-team football as he recovered from injury. In 2017, Krul joined Brighton & Hove Albion on loan before signing permanently. His career continued at Norwich City, where he was named the club's Player of the Season and won the EFL Championship twice.

Krul represented the Netherlands at every level from 2002. He made his debut for the full national team in July 2011 and was part of the team that came third at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, playing in the quarter-final penalty shoot-out win against Costa Rica.

Club career

[edit]

Newcastle United

[edit]

Krul began his career at hometown club RAS and later local Eredivisie club ADO Den Haag. He joined Premier League club Newcastle United in the summer of 2005 on a three-year deal after failing to sign professional terms. ADO demanded a compensation fee and objected to the FIFA Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC). The DRC denied the claim and ADO took the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). CAS ruled in February 2007 in favour of ADO, ordering Newcastle to pay €220,000 as compensation for the transfer.[4]

Following an injury to Newcastle's first-choice goalkeeper Shay Given, Krul appeared on the bench as back-up to second-choice Steve Harper. Krul made his Newcastle debut in the UEFA Cup on 2 November 2006 against Palermo. His debut was well-received; he displayed his shot-stopping abilities, saving efforts from Giuseppe Biava and David Di Michele and recording a clean sheet in the process.[5]

He was injured during the warm-up prior to the second leg tie against Palermo and then aggravated that injury in the warm-up before a game against Watford. He required two cartilage operations as a result, keeping him out of action for almost six months. He returned to action in April 2007.[6]

On 13 June 2007, he signed a new four-year contract with Newcastle.[7] In the same month, he was part of the Dutch Under-21 squad that won the European Championships and also qualified for the 2008 Summer Olympics.[citation needed]

Falkirk (loan)

[edit]

On 3 August 2007, Krul joined Scottish side Falkirk on loan, originally until 1 January 2008 though it was later extended until the end of the season after a number of impressive performances. The following day he made his debut for Falkirk and kept a clean sheet as the team won 4–0 against Gretna.[8] Falkirk initially wanted to sign him on a permanent deal but it was refused by Newcastle.[9]

In the two games immediately following his debut, he conceded four goals against Celtic and seven goals against Rangers at Ibrox. Krul was sent off for the first time in his professional career on 2 January 2008 after reacting badly to an opponent's challenge. Shortly afterwards, he suffered a dislocated shoulder during a Scottish Cup defeat against Aberdeen and missed the rest of the season.[citation needed]

Carlisle United (loan)

[edit]

On 21 November 2008, Krul joined Carlisle United on a one-month loan from Newcastle to replace Ben Alnwick, who had rejoined Tottenham Hotspur.[10] The loan deal was extended for a further month in December with Krul returning to Newcastle in January.[citation needed]

Return to Newcastle

[edit]
Krul playing for Newcastle United in 2012

Krul returned to Newcastle as backup to first choice Steve Harper. He made his senior league debut on 8 August 2009 in the opening Football League Championship game of the season away to West Bromwich Albion, coming on as a half time substitute for the injured Harper. Following this match, The Guardian called him "an excellent reserve goalkeeper".[11] He later played the full Football League Cup match against Huddersfield Town on 26 August 2009, which Newcastle won 4–3. Krul also started the 2–0 League Cup defeat to Peterborough. Against Swansea City on 28 November, he again came on to replace the injured Steve Harper. On 2 January, he played in the FA Cup Third Round tie against Plymouth Argyle, the game ending 0–0. He then played in the replay at St James' Park on 13 January, a 3–0 victory. Krul started his first league game for Newcastle on 2 May 2010, the last day of the Championship campaign, against Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road and kept a clean sheet. In July 2010, Krul signed a new four-year contract with Newcastle.[12]

Krul made his Premier League debut for Newcastle on 18 September 2010 against Everton at Goodison Park, coming on as a substitute in the 35th minute for the injured Steve Harper in a match that ended in a 1–0 win for the Magpies.[13] He made his first Premier League start on 26 September against Stoke City at St James' Park.[14] He then played against Manchester City in a 2–1 loss, Wigan Athletic in a 2–2 draw and in the 2–1 away win to West Ham United, before starting in his first Tyne-Wear derby, Newcastle winning 5–1, and a 1–0 away win at Arsenal a week later.[citation needed]

Following his good performances, Alan Pardew gave him more chances. He eventually became first choice and Harper was sent on loan to Brighton & Hove Albion. He started the 2011–12 season well, keeping clean sheets in the first two matches of the season against Arsenal and Sunderland. On 3 December 2011, Krul made his 50th Newcastle appearance against Chelsea. He saved a Frank Lampard penalty and made several other impressive saves, although Newcastle went on to lose the game 3–0. On 3 March 2012, Krul signed a new five-year contract at Newcastle United.[15] Krul then went on to play in the away game against Arsenal, which Newcastle lost 2–1.[16] During the match, fellow Dutchman Robin van Persie accused Krul of wasting time throughout the match and taunted Krul after the match had ended. The row continued into the tunnel and the two players had to be separated.[17] Although he received criticism from Arsenal player Jack Wilshere,[18] teammate James Perch defended Krul, believing van Persie "out of order".[19] At the end of the season, Krul received Toon Talk's Newcastle United Player of the Year award.[20]

Krul playing for Newcastle United in 2015

In the summer before the 2012–13 Premier League, Krul was given the number 1 jersey, with Steve Harper receiving number 37.[21] Krul started the first three matches of the season before suffering an elbow injury whilst on international duty.[22] After seven weeks off, Krul returned to training.[23] Krul made his return in the Tyne–Wear derby on 21 October 2012, a 1–1 draw.[24] He injured his ankle during a Europa League match in the Round of 32 against Ukrainian side Metalist Kharkiv which ruled him out for five weeks.[25] In the Tyne–Wear derby on 14 April 2013, Krul suffered a dislocated shoulder on 57th minutes after he landed awkwardly after punching away an Adam Johnson free-kick.[26] After surgery on his dislocated shoulder, Krul was ruled out for the rest of the 2012–13 season.[27]

Ahead of the 2013–14 season, Krul made his first appearance since his ankle injury in a friendly match against Rangers.[28] In November, Krul made some impressive displays, conceding just two goals and keeping clean sheets against Tottenham, where he made a total of 14 saves during the match[29]), and Chelsea. His impressive displays earned him November's Premier League Player of the Month.[30] Krul's performance was praised by Newcastle United goalkeeping legend Pavel Srníček[31] and manager Alan Pardew.[32]

Krul sustained an ankle injury in training before Newcastle's match with West Ham United and was ruled out for up to six weeks with the injury.[33] Krul returned in his side's 2–0 defeat to Chelsea.[34]

Return to the Netherlands

[edit]

On 25 August 2016, Krul signed a one-year contract extension at Newcastle United before joining Ajax on a season-long loan deal to provide him with top-tier first-team football as he continued his recovery from injury.[35] That deal was cut short, Krul only playing six games for the club's reserve side, and, in January 2017, he joined fellow Eredivisie side AZ Alkmaar on loan for the rest of the season.[36]

Brighton & Hove Albion

[edit]

On 31 August 2017, Krul signed for Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion on a season-long loan, reuniting him with former Newcastle manager Chris Hughton.[37] On 19 September, he made his debut for the club in an EFL Cup third round tie against AFC Bournemouth.[38] The following day, he signed a permanent deal with Brighton, ending his twelve-year association with Newcastle.[39] At the end of the season, Krul left the club.[40]

Norwich City

[edit]

Krul signed for Championship club Norwich City on 24 July 2018 on a two-year contract.[41] He signed a new three-year contract in June 2019.[42] Krul was named Norwich City's Player of the Season in the club's 2019–20 campaign, making him only the fifth ever different goalkeeper to win the Barry Butler memorial trophy.

Krul remained Norwich's starting keeper for the 2020–21 season. He would suffer a hamstring injury in November in a game against Stoke City, being replaced by Michael McGovern.[43] He proceeded to miss a number of games between then and the end of January, with McGovern or Daniel Barden deputising, but eventually regained his place as Norwich won the Championship and promotion back to the Premier League.

Krul was once again the first choice goalkeeper for the 2021–22 season but Norwich now had Angus Gunn as an alternative. After a run of poor results, Krul was absent from two games in December with Gunn played instead. Krul would regain his place for the next two games, only to suffer a late injury in a game against Everton.[44] He would be out of the side until March, retaining his place as Norwich were relegated back to the Championship at the first attempt.

The following season would again see Krul start as first choice but his days as Norwich's No.1 were drawing to an end. Following a 3–2 home defeat by Preston North End,[45] Krul was replaced by Gunn in the starting line-up. He was restored to the side by new manager David Wagner for his first game in charge, ironically against Preston,[46] with Norwich winning the game 4–0. This was to be short-lived however, and Krul made his final appearance for Norwich two games later, in a 3–0 defeat to Burnley.[47]

Luton Town

[edit]

On 17 August 2023, Krul signed for newly promoted Premier League club Luton Town with an undisclosed contract length.[48][49] On 9 May 2025, the club announced Krul would be released in June when his contract expired.[50]

On 23 September 2025, Krul officially announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 37.[51]

International career

[edit]
Krul training with the Netherlands national team in 2015

Krul represented the Netherlands national team at U17 level at the 2005 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Peru. He represented the U21s at the 2008 Toulon Tournament and was a regular in the side for the 2011 European Under-21 Championship qualifying campaign.[citation needed]

On 4 June 2011, Krul made the starting eleven for the Netherlands in a friendly against Brazil, his first cap at senior level.[52] He went on to keep a clean sheet, pulling off a string of decent saves in a 0–0 draw. He played his second match for the international team four days later against Uruguay in a 3–4 penalty shoot-out loss, the match having finished 1–1 after 90 minutes.[53] He was called up to the Netherlands UEFA Euro 2012 squad but did not make any appearances. In new coach Louis van Gaal's first competitive game in charge against Turkey in Amsterdam, Krul was selected as starting goalkeeper, keeping a clean sheet in a 2–0 win for the Oranje.[citation needed]

In June 2014, Krul was included in the Netherlands' squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. In the quarter-final against Costa Rica, he was brought on by Louis van Gaal as a 120th-minute substitute for the penalty shootout. He saved two of the five penalties he faced as the Netherlands won 4–3.[54] This was the first time in the history of the World Cup that a goalkeeper was sent on as a substitute solely for a penalty shoot-out.[55]

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup[a] League cup[b] Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Newcastle United 2006–07[56] Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 1[c] 0 1 0
2008–09[57] Premier League 0 0 — — — 0 0
2009–10[58] Championship 3 0 3 0 2 0 — 8 0
2010–11[59] Premier League 21 0 1 0 3 0 — 25 0
2011–12[60] Premier League 38 0 2 0 2 0 — 42 0
2012–13[61] Premier League 24 0 0 0 0 0 6[d] 0 30 0
2013–14[62] Premier League 36 0 0 0 2 0 — 38 0
2014–15[63] Premier League 30 0 0 0 1 0 — 31 0
2015–16[64] Premier League 8 0 0 0 1 0 — 9 0
Total 160 0 6 0 11 0 7 0 184 0
Falkirk (loan) 2007–08[65] Scottish Premier League 22 0 2 0 2 0 — 26 0
Carlisle United (loan) 2008–09[57] League One 9 0 0 0 — — 9 0
Jong Ajax (loan) 2016–17[66] Eerste Divisie 6 0 — — — 6 0
AZ (loan) 2016–17[66] Eredivisie 16 0 2 0 — 6[e] 0 24 0
Brighton & Hove Albion 2017–18[67] Premier League 0 0 4 0 1 0 — 5 0
Brighton & Hove Albion U21 2017–18[67] — — — 1[f] 0 1 0
Norwich City 2018–19[68] Championship 46 0 0 0 0 0 — 46 0
2019–20[69] Premier League 36 0 2 0 0 0 — 38 0
2020–21[70] Championship 36 0 1 0 0 0 — 37 0
2021–22[71] Premier League 29 0 2 0 0 0 — 31 0
2022–23[72] Championship 16 0 1 0 0 0 — 17 0
2023–24[73] Championship 0 0 0 0 0 0 — 0 0
Total 163 0 6 0 0 0 — 169 0
Luton Town 2023–24[73] Premier League 0 0 4 0 2 0 — 6 0
2024–25[74] Championship 0 0 0 0 0 0 — 0 0
Total 0 0 4 0 2 0 — 6 0
Career total 376 0 24 0 16 0 14 0 430 0
  1. ^ Includes FA Cup, Scottish Cup, KNVB Cup
  2. ^ Includes EFL Cup, Scottish League Cup
  3. ^ Appearance in UEFA Cup
  4. ^ Appearances in UEFA Europa League
  5. ^ Two appearances in UEFA Europa League, four appearances in Eredivisie European play-offs
  6. ^ Appearance in EFL Trophy

International

[edit]
Appearances and goals by national team and year[75]
National team Year Apps Goals
Netherlands 2011 2 0
2012 2 0
2013 1 0
2014 2 0
2015 1 0
2020 3 0
2021 4 0
2022 0 0
Total 15 0

Honours

[edit]

Norwich City

Netherlands U17

Netherlands U21

Netherlands

Individual

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Tim Krul

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Tim Krul (born 3 April 1988) is a Dutch former professional footballer who played as a , spending much of his career in English football with clubs including Newcastle United, Norwich City, and Luton Town, while earning 15 caps for the national team. Born in , Krul began his youth career at local club before joining Newcastle United's academy in 2005 at age 17, making his senior debut for the club in 2006 after loan spells at and Carlisle United. His time at Newcastle spanned 11 years (2006–2017), during which he made 185 appearances, establishing himself as the first-choice from 2011 onward and helping the team reach the quarter-finals in 2012. In 2016–17, while still contracted to Newcastle, Krul spent time on loan in the with Ajax (August 2016 to January 2017) and (January to 2017) as he recovered from injury. He returned briefly to Newcastle before joining & Hove Albion on loan in August 2017, a move made permanent the following month; however, he saw limited first-team action at in 2017–18. In 2018, Krul signed with Norwich City, where he enjoyed a career resurgence, playing 169 matches over six seasons and contributing to two titles in 2018–19 and 2020–21, including an ever-present role in the latter promotion campaign with 46 appearances. He was named Norwich's Player of the Season in 2019–20 despite the team's relegation. Krul moved to Luton Town on a free transfer in 2023, making 23 appearances in their season before the club's relegation, after which he became a . Overall, he amassed 222 appearances with 51 clean sheets across his English top-flight career. Internationally, Krul debuted for the senior team in 2011, accumulating 15 caps between 2011 and 2020, including selection for Euro 2020. He is particularly renowned for his role in the ' 2014 quarter-final against , where he was substituted on specifically for the penalty shoot-out and saved two of five penalties to secure a 5–3 victory, helping the Oranje finish third in the tournament. At youth level, Krul won the 2007 with the . Krul announced his retirement from professional football on 23 September 2025 at age 37, after 20 years in the game and over 400 club appearances, reflecting on fulfilling his childhood dream while pursuing further education in technical directing.

Early life

Birth and family

Tim Krul was born on 3 April 1988 in , . He grew up in as an only child to Dutch parents, in a city where football holds a prominent place in local culture. Krul's family provided strong support during his early career decisions, including his relocation to at age 17 to join Newcastle United.

Youth football beginnings

Tim Krul began his organized youth football career at the local amateur club HVV RAS in , joining their setup in 1995 at the age of seven. In 1996, at age eight, he transferred to the youth academy of , a professional club in his hometown, where he initially played as a left-winger before switching to at age 10. He advanced through the age-group teams from under-9 to under-19 levels over the next nine years, honing his skills as a through structured training programs. Krul's performances at attracted interest from Newcastle United scouts, who visited his family home in in 2005 and requested that the family drive him to for a . With his family's support, Krul traveled for the assessment, impressed the coaches, and signed a three-year scholarship with Newcastle's academy that summer at age 17, relocating from the to begin his English football development.

Club career

Newcastle United academy and early loans (2005–2011)

Krul joined Newcastle United's academy in July 2005 at the age of 17, signing a three-year scholarship deal after leaving his youth club in the . He quickly integrated into the youth setup, playing regularly for the under-18s and reserve teams, where he gained valuable experience in competitive matches. By 2006, Krul had made more than 20 appearances for Newcastle's reserves in the Premier Reserve League, showcasing his potential as a promising with strong shot-stopping abilities. Krul's professional debut for Newcastle came on 2 November 2006 in the UEFA Cup group stage against , where the 18-year-old started in goal due to injuries to the senior goalkeepers and kept a clean sheet in a 1-0 victory, earning praise for several key saves. This appearance marked the beginning of his senior exposure, though opportunities remained limited as he served as the third-choice goalkeeper behind established duo and . To gain first-team experience, Krul was loaned to side from August 2007 until January 2008. During his spell, he made 26 appearances across all competitions, including 22 in the league, and recorded 7 clean sheets while contributing to Falkirk's strong defensive record that secured a third-place finish in the SPL. Upon returning to Newcastle, he continued as third-choice and featured sparingly in the first team, with no further starts but occasional bench duty. Krul's next loan came to League One club Carlisle United in November 2008, extended until January 2009, where he made 20 appearances in all competitions, including league and cup matches, and helped the team reach the . His time at Carlisle was cut short by a wrist injury in late 2008, forcing an early return to Newcastle for treatment. Back at the club, Krul remained behind Given and Harper, making just two substitute appearances in the by the end of the 2010-11 season, both in 2010 as late replacements. These brief outings underscored his role as a developing during a period dominated by the senior goalkeepers.

Newcastle United first-team establishment (2011–2016)

Following Shay Given's departure to Manchester City in January 2011, Tim Krul emerged as Newcastle United's first-choice under manager , transitioning from a backup role to a key figure in the team's defense. Krul solidified his position during the season, making 38 appearances and recording 15 clean sheets, which played a pivotal role in Newcastle's surprising fourth-place finish and qualification for the . One of Krul's standout performances came on 3 December 2011 against Chelsea, where he made his 50th appearance for the club, saving a penalty from and several other crucial stops in a 0–0 draw that highlighted his growing reliability. His shot-stopping ability and commanding presence in goal earned him widespread acclaim, including the Newcastle United Player of the Year award for the 2011–12 season. In March 2012, Krul signed a five-year contract extension, committing to the club until 2017 and reflecting his importance to the squad. Krul's established status continued into subsequent seasons, though injuries began to disrupt his consistency. In the 2012–13 campaign, he featured in 24 matches before suffering a in April 2013 during a 3–0 loss to , which sidelined him for the remainder of the season and required surgery. The following year, 2013–14, saw him return strongly with 36 appearances and 10 clean sheets, but in October 2014, he sustained ligament damage to his elbow while on international duty with the , a minor injury that he played through initially but highlighted ongoing physical demands. Further setbacks came in December 2014 with an ankle ligament injury that ruled him out for up to six weeks, limiting his availability during a challenging mid-season period. By the 2015–16 season, Krul made only 8 appearances before a ruptured in his knee in October 2015 ended his campaign prematurely, forcing him to miss the rest of the season. Despite these challenges, Krul's on the pitch and vocal of the defense cemented his status as a fan favorite at , where supporters appreciated his resilience and key contributions to the team's survival in the top flight. Over this period, he amassed 157 appearances for Newcastle, underscoring his peak years as the club's primary goalkeeper.

Later Newcastle period and Dutch loans (2016–2018)

Krul's time at Newcastle took a significant turn following a serious knee injury sustained on international duty with the in October 2015. During a Euro 2016 qualifier against , he ruptured the in his right knee, ruling him out for approximately 18 months. This injury prevented him from making any appearances for Newcastle during the latter part of the 2015–16 season and the entire 2016–17 campaign, as the club promoted to the starting role and later signed . The prolonged absence marked a challenging period for Krul, who had been the first-choice prior to . To regain match fitness and secure regular playing time during his recovery, Krul returned to the on loan. He initially joined Ajax on a season-long deal in August 2016, extending his Newcastle contract to 2018 in the process, but struggled to break into the first team behind . Instead, he featured five times for Ajax's reserve side, , in the . The loan was mutually terminated in January 2017, allowing him to move to for the remainder of the 2016–17 season. At AZ, Krul established himself as the primary goalkeeper, making 22 appearances across all competitions (14 in , 4 in KNVB Beker, 2 in playoffs, 2 in ), conceding 43 goals and recording 4 clean sheets. His performances contributed to AZ finishing fifth in the and qualifying for the Europa League play-offs the following season. Upon returning to Newcastle in the summer of 2017, Krul found himself as the third-choice behind and under manager Rafa Benítez. With limited opportunities at , he was loaned to & Hove Albion in August 2017, effectively signaling the end of his regular involvement with the . Krul made no first-team appearances for Newcastle during the 2017–18 season before his contract expired in June 2018. Over his 12-year association with the club, spanning academy and senior levels, Krul amassed 184 appearances in all competitions, including 157 in the .

Brighton & Hove Albion (2018)

Following his departure from Newcastle United, Tim Krul joined Brighton & Hove Albion on a season-long loan on 31 August 2017, providing competition for first-choice goalkeeper Mat Ryan under manager . The move was made permanent on 20 September 2017, with Krul signing a one-year contract until the end of the 2017–18 season. During his time at the Amex Stadium, Krul served primarily as a in the , occasionally training and playing with the club's U23 side to maintain fitness, including appearances in Premier League 2 and the . Krul made five first-team appearances for , all in cup competitions. His debut came in the third round on 19 September 2017, a 1–0 defeat to after extra time. He then featured in four ties during early 2018: a 0–0 draw with Plymouth Argyle in the third round on 2 January, a 3–1 replay win over Plymouth on 6 January, a 2–1 victory against in the fourth round on 8 January, and a 3–1 loss to Coventry City in the fifth round on 17 February. In these matches, Krul kept two clean sheets and conceded three goals. Despite Brighton's promotion to the Premier League the previous season, Krul's limited opportunities as second choice prompted him to seek regular playing time elsewhere. His contract expired at the end of the 2017–18 campaign, and he departed as a free agent in July 2018 without making any league appearances for the Seagulls.

Norwich City (2018–2023)

Krul joined Norwich City on a free transfer from Brighton & Hove Albion on 24 July 2018, signing a two-year contract after a season as backup on the south coast. He immediately became the club's first-choice goalkeeper, displacing Angus Gunn, and played a crucial role in the 2018–19 EFL Championship campaign. Starting all 46 league matches, Krul kept 13 clean sheets as Norwich secured the title with 94 points, earning automatic promotion to the Premier League for the first time since 2016. His consistent performances, including a league-leading save percentage among goalkeepers, were instrumental in the Canaries' dominant defensive record of just 40 goals conceded. The following 2019–20 season saw Krul feature in 36 matches, recording 5 clean sheets amid a challenging return to the top flight, where finished bottom with 21 points and suffered relegation. Despite the disappointment, his reliability earned him the club's Player of the Season award, the first for a since 1983. In June 2019, prior to the relegation, Krul had signed a three-year contract extension to commit his future to the club. He retained his starting position upon demotion, making 42 appearances across all competitions in the 2020–21 season, including the , where defeated 2–0 in the final to secure another promotion. Norwich's second stint in 2021–22 ended in another relegation, with Krul starting 29 league games and keeping 5 clean sheets before a late-season injury sidelined him. In December 2020, he had further extended his deal until June 2024, reflecting his importance to the squad. However, the 2022–23 season marked a reduced role, with Krul limited to 17 appearances as took over as the primary during Norwich's mid-table finish. His contract expired at the end of the campaign, and he departed as a in summer 2023, having made 169 appearances in total for the club across all competitions and keeping 47 clean sheets.

Luton Town (2023–2024)

Following Luton Town's promotion to the via the play-offs, Tim Krul signed a two-year with the club on 17 August 2023, transferring from Norwich City to serve as experienced backup to first-choice goalkeeper . Krul did not feature in any of Luton's 38 matches during the 2023–24 season, as the team struggled in their debut top-flight campaign since 1992 and ultimately finished 18th with 26 points, leading to relegation to the . He made five appearances across domestic cup competitions, providing depth and rotation options for manager Rob Edwards. Krul's debut came in the third round against Gillingham on 29 August 2023, a 3–2 victory at where he contributed to advancing past the League Two side. Subsequent outings included the third-round loss to (1–3) on 19 September 2023, and FA Cup ties against Wanderers— a 0–0 draw followed by a 2–1 replay win on 16 January 2024, in which he recorded his only clean sheet for the club—before a 1–2 fourth-round defeat to Newcastle United on 7 February 2024.

Retirement (2025)

Tim Krul announced his retirement from professional football on 23 September 2025, at the age of 37, three months after his release from Luton Town at the end of the previous season. In his statement, Krul reflected on a 20-year professional career that included 437 club appearances across various leagues and competitions, emphasizing his fulfillment of childhood dreams while expressing a desire to spend more time with his family. He conveyed deep gratitude to key clubs in his journey, particularly Newcastle United where he made 222 appearances, as well as Norwich City and the Netherlands national team, while subtly hinting at the possibility of returning to Newcastle in a backroom capacity in the future. As of November 2025, Krul has not confirmed any immediate coaching or formal role in football, instead prioritizing his personal life and family time while remaining based in England.

International career

Youth international career

Krul made his debut for the Netherlands under-17 national team in 2005, earning seven caps that year, including during the European Under-17 Championship qualifiers. He was selected for the squad at the 2005 FIFA U-17 World Championship in Peru, where he featured in matches as the team finished third overall. At the under-19 level, Krul represented the from 2006 to 2007, accumulating six caps. His appearances included qualifiers, and he was part of the squad for the 2008 finals in the , where the team exited in the group stage after draws against and hosts and a loss to . Krul was part of the squad that won the , defeating 4–1 in the final, though he did not feature in the tournament matches. Krul's most extensive youth international experience came at the under-21 level between 2007 and 2011, where he won 12 caps and established himself as the first-choice during the qualifying campaign. Notable performances included his role in the playoff matches against , where the Netherlands advanced 3–3 on aggregate via the , securing qualification for the finals in . Across all youth levels, Krul amassed 25 caps, honing his skills and building a reputation as a promising within the Dutch youth system.

Senior international career

Krul made his senior international debut for the on 4 June 2011, starting in a 0–0 friendly draw against in . He received his first major tournament call-up for the in , where he was named in Louis van Gaal's 23-man squad. Krul did not feature in the group stage but was substituted into the quarter-final against on 5 July 2014, entering in the 120th minute of extra time in place of specifically for the impending following a 0–0 draw. In the shootout, Krul saved two spot-kicks—from Bryan and Michael Umaña—enabling the to prevail 4–3 and advance to the semi-finals against . This performance, prepared through targeted penalty training, marked one of the most memorable substitute appearances in history and contributed to the finishing third overall. Krul was also included in the ' squad for but did not make any appearances. Despite his impact, Krul's senior international career remained limited, accumulating 15 caps between 2011 and 2021 while competing for selection with established goalkeepers such as and , compounded by recurring injuries. His final appearance came on 2 June 2021 in a 2–2 friendly draw against in .

Playing style

Technical attributes

Tim Krul, at a height of 1.93 m (6 ft 4 in), leveraged his stature to excel in aerial duels and confidently claim crosses, providing a commanding presence in his . This physical advantage allowed him to dominate set-piece situations and intercept high balls effectively throughout his career. Being left-footed further enhanced his versatility, enabling balanced distribution from either side and facilitating smoother transitions in defensive build-up play. Krul's shot-stopping prowess was characterized by sharp reflexes and precise positioning, contributing to 51 clean sheets across his appearances. Notable performances, such as his record-tying 14 saves in a single match against Tottenham Hotspur in 2013, underscored his ability to deny close-range efforts and long shots alike. Adept with the ball at his feet, Krul supported possession-oriented tactics, particularly during his tenure at Norwich City where he actively participated in passing networks to initiate attacks from the back. His comfort in build-up play made him suitable for systems emphasizing involvement beyond traditional shot-stopping. Krul developed a reputation for penalty expertise, exemplified by his two saves in the quarter-final shootout against , where he correctly anticipated all five attempts.

Strengths and weaknesses

Tim Krul, known for his commanding presence in goal, occasionally faltered in high-pressure moments, particularly with misjudged crosses that led to conceded goals, such as during AZ Alkmaar's 2017 Dutch Cup final loss to Vitesse where he failed to claim a cross, allowing to head in the winner. These errors, while not frequent, highlighted vulnerabilities under intense scrutiny and contributed to pivotal match outcomes in his career. Krul's career was significantly hampered by injury proneness, especially lower-body ailments like a ruptured ACL in 2015 that sidelined him for 16 months, alongside multiple knee, ankle, and muscle issues that collectively resulted in over two years of missed playing time across his professional tenure. These setbacks disrupted his momentum at clubs like Newcastle United, where a 2014 ankle injury alone kept him out for up to six weeks during a challenging season, exacerbating squad instability and delaying his return to peak form. While Krul adapted effectively to life in the following relegations—playing every minute of Norwich City's 2018-19 title-winning campaign—his consistency waned in survival battles, where teams like Norwich suffered back-to-back relegations in 2020 and 2022 despite his regular starts. This inconsistency was evident in increased errors leading to shots during top-flight struggles, undermining defensive solidity in high-stakes relegation fights. Krul earned praise for his strong mentality and qualities in the dressing room, often serving as a vocal presence to rally teammates during tough periods, as noted by manager who highlighted his role in maintaining team morale. However, his distribution came under criticism for being risky under opposition press, with instances like a poor back-pass attempt in a 2019 match leading to turnovers and goals, which exposed defensive frailties in build-up play. His height of 6 ft 4 in provided aerial strengths, aiding in claiming crosses effectively in less pressured scenarios.

Career statistics

Club

Tim Krul's club career spanned multiple leagues and clubs, culminating in a total of 437 appearances, during which he conceded 646 goals and recorded 120 clean sheets, as of his in 2025. His appearances were distributed across several clubs, with significant contributions at Newcastle United (185 appearances, 53 clean sheets), Norwich City (169 appearances, 47 clean sheets), and Town (6 appearances, 1 clean sheet). Loan spells added further experience, including 26 appearances at (7 clean sheets), 9 at Carlisle United (4 clean sheets), 6 at Ajax (2 clean sheets), 22 at (4 clean sheets), and 5 at Brighton & Hove Albion (2 clean sheets). In terms of competitions, Krul featured prominently in the Premier League with 222 appearances and 51 clean sheets, the Championship with 179 appearances and 52 clean sheets, and the Eredivisie with 33 appearances and 12 clean sheets. Additional outings occurred in the Scottish Premiership, League One, and various cup competitions, contributing to his overall totals. Seasonal performance highlights include a standout 2011–12 campaign in the Premier League with Newcastle United, where he made 38 appearances, played 3,420 minutes, and achieved a 39.5% clean sheet rate (15 clean sheets). Other notable seasons feature consistent starts in the Championship during his Norwich City tenure, such as 2018–19 (46 appearances, 4,140 minutes, 13 clean sheets, 28.3% rate) and 2020–21 (46 appearances, 4,140 minutes, 18 clean sheets, 39.1% rate). In the Eredivisie loan at AZ Alkmaar in 2009–10, he recorded 16 appearances with a 37.5% clean sheet rate (6 clean sheets). The following table summarizes key seasonal statistics:
SeasonClub/LeagueAppearancesMinutes PlayedClean SheetsClean Sheet %
2011–12Newcastle/Premier League383,4201539.5
2018–19Norwich/Championship464,1401328.3
2019–20Norwich/Premier League363,240925.0
2020–21Norwich/Championship464,1401839.1
2009–10AZ Alkmaar/Eredivisie161,440637.5
2023–24Luton/Premier League6540116.7
These figures reflect his primary starting role in major seasons, with percentages calculated as (clean sheets / appearances) × 100.

International

Tim Krul represented the at senior and youth international levels, accumulating a total of 47 appearances across various age groups. His senior career with the national team spanned from 2011 to 2020, during which he earned 15 caps, kept 5 clean sheets, and conceded 9 goals overall. As a , Krul did not score any goals in these matches. At the youth level, Krul was a prominent figure, particularly with the U21 side, where he made 25 appearances. He also featured 8 times for the U19 team and 5 times for the U17 team. Comprehensive goals conceded data for youth internationals is not publicly tracked in detail, but he achieved clean sheets in key matches, including the victory. In major tournaments, Krul's most notable senior contribution came during the , where he made 1 substitute appearance in the quarter-final against , entering specifically for the ; he conceded 0 goals during the match proper and saved 2 penalties to help secure a 5–3 victory on penalties (after 4-3 in shootout, but section had 4-3, actual 5-3 Netherlands win). For the U21 team, he played a key role in qualifiers, including the playoffs, contributing to successful qualification campaigns.
LevelAppearancesClean SheetsGoals ConcededNotable Tournaments
Senior (2011–2020)15592014 FIFA World Cup (1 sub app., 0 GC in shootout)
U2125~10 (est.)Not tracked2007 U21 Euros (winner)
U198~3 (est.)Not tracked-
U175~2 (est.)Not tracked-
Krul's penalty shootout record at international level stands at 2 saves in 1 appearance, both from the 2014 World Cup quarter-final.

Honours

Club honours

During his professional career, Tim Krul contributed to three successful title wins, each resulting in promotion to the . With Newcastle United in the 2009–10 season, Krul was part of the squad that won the title, securing automatic promotion; he made three league appearances as backup to . Krul played a pivotal role with Norwich City, starting as first-choice goalkeeper in their 2018–19 Championship-winning campaign, where they finished top with 94 points and earned promotion. He repeated the feat in the 2020–21 season, again as Norwich's primary keeper, helping them win the title with 97 points for back-to-back promotions despite relegation in between. Krul did not win any major domestic cup competitions or European trophies at club level.

International honours

Krul's international achievements with the Netherlands primarily came at the youth level, where he contributed to several competitive showings without securing major senior titles. At under-17 level, he was part of the squad that finished third at the 2005 FIFA U-17 World Championship in Peru, defeating Turkey 2–1 in the third-place playoff after a semi-final loss to Mexico. With the under-19 team, Krul featured in the 2008 UEFA European Under-19 Championship in the , where the Netherlands advanced to the group stage but did not progress further after drawing with and losing to and hosts . His most significant youth honour came with the under-21 side, as he helped the Netherlands win the in the by beating 4–1 in the final; Krul appeared in the semi-final draw against . He later played a regular role in the qualifying campaign, where the team reached the playoffs but lost to on aggregate. At senior level, Krul earned 15 caps between 2011 and 2020 but won no major titles. His standout contribution was during the in , where the finished third overall; substituted in the 120th minute of the quarter-final against specifically for the , he saved two penalties to secure a 5–3 victory and advancement to the semi-finals, earning Man of the Match honours.

References

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