Who is Loris Karius? Liverpool are on the verge of finally signing some competition for Simon Mignolet, so here is what you need to know about the new Liverpool goalkeeper.
Who Is Loris Karius: Beginnings
Karius is 22 and signed his first senior contract with FSV Mainz back in 2011. He played with a number of clubs before making his senior debut, most notably Manchester City. Karius signed for City as a 16-year-old in 2009, having been spotted playing with the German Under-16s. He had been at Stuttgart at the time, with the German club agreeing to release him owing to the "exorbitant amount of money" City paid, according to Stuttgart's youth co-ordinator. Stuttgart wanted to keep hold of Karius, but couldn't match the money City offered. Stuttgart said that 70% of Premier League clubs were interested in Karius. Karius played at both under-19 and under-21 level with City, although he failed to make the breakthrough to the senior side.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kRWj7LFfFo
Who Is Loris Karius: Return To Germany
Having failed to make an impact on the first team, City loaned him to FSV Mainz 05 II in August 2011, a deal made permanent the following January. Mainz II are the Mainz' reserve side. It took Karius until December 2012 to make his senior debut for the club, coming on as a substitute in a game against Hannover 96. He quickly established himself as first choice at Mainz, and was rewarded with a contract extension in 2015.
This season, he played in all 34 Bundesliga games, keeping nine clean sheets.
Who Is Loris Karius: A Second Chance in England
Karius now has a second chance in England, with Liverpool signing him for a fee in the region of £4.7 million. Mainz is, of course, the club at which Jurgen Klopp began his career as both a player and a manager. Karius is yet to make a senior appearance for Germany, although has played at all age levels up to the top level, including under-21 level.
Liverpool do face the possibility of beginning the season without Karius available: he is likely to be involved with the German squad at the Rio Olympics for the first three weeks of the season.
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