Loris Karius Reconsidering His Liverpool Future

The year started out well for Loris Karius. The 25-year-old German was given a chance to win back the starting job from Simon Mignolet, and what followed was a strong second half to the season that saw him play well and help Liverpool to the Champions League final.

Then, the final happened, along with Sergio Ramos’ elbow to the head, a concussion, and some very bad goals against. At first, it seemed like the club would stick with him. Then, a few shaky pre-season moments. And then, all in a rush, the signing of a new goalkeeper.

“Of course that’s not perfect for me,” Karius told Sky Germany when asked if, following Alisson’s arrival, he would depart before the end of the transfer window. “I cannot say much more about that either. I cannot say what I’m doing right now. There’s still some time left.”

Whatever happens next, there is no doubt that Karius will not be Liverpool’s number one. that job is Alisson’s for the foreseeable future, and as the world record goalkeeper signing it is inconceivable he will not be given every league and European minute this season.

Karius’ only hope for minutes would be in the domestic cups, and even then the goal would be rehabilitating his confidence and career to the point a move to start for a mid-table club on the continent would be plausible—something that might not be the case right now.

Yet the situation surrounding Karius is downright toxic, with many in the English media and some who call themselves Liverpool fans making him a target of mocking and derision. For his own sake as a human being if nothing else, a departure might be for the best.

If he does, in the end, believe that leaving the club would be his best course of action, then hopefully the club will be willing to find a way to move him on—be it permanently or on a loan deal—to somewhere he’ll be able to focus solely on the game of football.

“To those who take joy in seeing other people fail or suffer, I feel for you,” read a statement from Karius on Instagram following Sunday’s match. “Whatever it is that’s happening in your life to hold this much anger and hate, I pray it passes and good things come to you.”