Despite renewed links with AS Roma goalkeeper Alisson, it’s claimed on Friday that Jurgen Klopp will keep his faith in Loris Karius as Liverpool’s new No. 1.
The Reds were said to have begun talks for the Brazil international over a move in the summer transfer window, with Sky Sports claiming talks were “at a very early stage” on Thursday.
Given Alisson‘s impact at Roma this season, standing out as arguably the best stopper in Serie A, this would come as no surprise.
But according to various sources shortly after, Klopp is more likely to target a goalkeeper to compete with Karius than immediately supplant him as first choice.
The Liverpool Echo‘s James Pearce reports that the manager “believes [Karius] could be the long-term solution between the posts.”
This comes following the 24-year-old’s rise in form since taking over from Simon Mignolet, and so far this season he has kept a clean sheet in eight of his 16 appearances.
Mignolet’s future is less promising, however, with the Times‘ Paul Joyce reporting that he is “set to leave Anfield in the summer.”
Having joined from Sunderland in 2013, Mignolet has struggled to convince over a lengthy stretch, and Karius can be considered a more promising long-term option.
This is the second time in just over a week that Liverpool have reportedly dropped their interest in a high-profile target.
The Reds were heavily touted with a big-money move for AS Monaco midfielder Thomas Lemar in the summer, but as with Alisson, the Frenchman’s significant price tag has proved off-putting.
With four months until the transfer window options, there is now little indication as to Klopp’s likely arrivals, with speculation set to continue.
His faith in Karius is encouraging, given the German’s impressive form in recent weeks, with his confidence rising since the introduction of Virgil van Dijk at centre-back.
Karius’ performances at Mainz, prior to his move Liverpool, suggested he could be the front-footed ‘keeper needed to implement Klopp’s system successfully.
To do so required trust in his abilities, and after a shaky start last season he is now being given the opportunity to earn that trust.
However, these reports that Liverpool are not interested in Alisson could be a move by the club in order to not affect Karius’ confidence at this stage.
Fan Comments