Loris Karius: “I want to be the No. 1 here at Liverpool”

Liverpool’s third signing of the summer, Loris Karius, has outlined his ambition to take over from Simon Mignolet as first-choice goalkeeper.

Karius joined the Reds from Mainz in a £4.7 million deal earlier in May, and is set to arrive alongside Joel Matip and Marko Grujic this summer.

The 22-year-old took up the No. 1 shirt on signing for the club, and while his predecessor, Brad Jones, failed to usurp Mignolet as Liverpool’s starting goalkeeper, Karius has loftier ambitions.

Speaking to LFC TV on Sunday, Karius insisted that he had signed to take up the role of first-choice goalkeeper under his compatriot, Klopp.

“I wanted the No. 1 shirt because I was wearing it at Mainz,” Karius said, having made 96 senior appearances for the Bundesliga side.

“And I want to be the No. 1 here at Liverpool.”

Karius’ signing is a signal of Klopp’s intentions this summer, and while it remains to be seen whether he takes over from Mignolet as Liverpool’s first choice, it is unlikely he would have signed to serve as a backup.

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Continuing to describe his playing style, Karius hinted at a change in direction for Klopp, with the former Man City youth operating in a more front-footed role when compared to Mignolet.

“My goalkeeping style is very modern, offensive and also with a bit of risk, [something] that I’m willing to take,” he added.

Karius highlighted Germany legend Oliver Kahn as his goalkeeping idol, and Klopp will be hoping he can emulate the former Bayern Munich man in his time between the sticks at Liverpool.

Speaking on Karius’ signing, Klopp said he was “delighted” to have secured the youngster’s signature.

“I am really pleased that we were able to move so quickly to get him and that Loris has shown such a desire to come to Liverpool with a lot of other clubs interested in him,” the manager said.

“I know he will add to the quality we have in this position and I look forward to working with him and all our players when we return for pre-season.”

Karius’ arrival will boost the quality in Klopp’s goalkeeping ranks, and with question marks over Mignolet’s long-term future in the role, he could certainly expect to come in as No. 1.

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