Loris Karius has been unveiled at Besiktas, the club where he will spend two years on loan with a view to a permanent transfer in 2020.
SEE MORE:
Comparing Alisson to Liverpool’s greatest keepers of the past
The German has claimed Jurgen Klopp asked him to remain at Liverpool, but that he demanded an exit so he could play minutes – something which would be impossible since we bought Alisson for £66m as our first-choice.
“He [Klopp] told me he would like to have me in the squad because he wants to have the best quality players,” Karius told Sky Sports.
“But I spoke to him and asked him for my wish, it is important to me to play for Besiktas. I talked with him for a long time and he understood my situation.
“I think it was a good deal for everyone. He wished me well but he said he would have liked to keep me.”
We hope Karius does well in Turkey, although have to say he’s hardly picked a club that will go easy on him should his nightmare run of form continue.
His mistakes from the Champions League Final continued into our pre-season, with his confidence clearly in complete tatters.
As a result of Karius departing, Simon Mignolet will stay as our backup, against his wishes, it has to be said.
We feel a little sorry for the Belgian, but he’s on big wages, can stay until January and then we can bring in a new reserve option.