Loris Karius To Be Dropped By Besiktas

It’s amazing what a well-placed elbow to the head can do to a football career. Loris Karius was a key part of guiding Liverpool to Champions League qualification and a run to the final against Real Madrid. Of course, we all know what came next.

Now? He’s been sent on a loan-to-buy deal to Turkish side Besiktas. And that loan spell? Not exactly going to plan.

According to reports from Turkish publication Fotomac, Besiktas manager Senol Gunes is planning on dropping Karius for next week’s Europa League clash against Belgian side Genk.

The decision came due to several goalkeeping errors, including one in the 2-0 defeat to Swedish side Malmö last time out in Europe. After two matches, the group, comprised of Genk, Malmö, Besiktas, and Norwegian side Sarpborg, remain knotted at 3 points a piece.

Instead of sending Karius back out under the European spotlights, Gunes will utilize back-up goalkeeper Tolga Zengin.

Obviously this is bad news for both Karius and Liverpool, in part because the obligation to buy after the two-year loan is tied directly to number of appearances and European qualification.

As for the “European” qualification bit, things are a little better, as far as the deal is concerned. Besiktas currently sit third in the Turkish Super Lig, just three points back of leaders Galatasaray. First place qualifies for Champions League, second place for Champions League qualification, and the third and fourth places for Europea League qualification.

Although we hoped for a better “fresh start” for Karius, this only provides more evidence that Jurgen Klopp was correct in moving on the German keeper.