Jurgen Klopp has established Alisson as Liverpool’s new first-choice goalkeeper, but Loris Karius‘ latest comments could change his plans for his No. 2.
The Reds are set for a major overhaul between the sticks for 2018/19, with Alisson arriving from Roma for a world-record £65 million fee.
Danny Ward has since left for Leicester City, while Adam Bogdan has joined Hibernian on loan and Simon Mignolet is expected to depart having lost his place to Karius last season.
Speaking after Liverpool’s 3-1 defeat to Borussia Dortmund on their pre-season tour of the US, Karius indicated that he was considering his future in the wake of Alisson‘s signing.
This could alter Klopp’s preparation for the new campaign, according to the Liverpool Echo‘s James Pearce, as part of a Q&A on Tuesday evening.
Pearce claimed Karius and academy goalkeeper Kamil Grabara are pencilled in as second and third choice respectively, with the young Pole taking over from Ward.
But he adds that “if Karius really pushes for a move then Klopp may have to reassess,” with the potential departures of both him and Mignolet ensuring the need to target a new backup.
Given Karius’ struggles in recent months, and the public pressure on the 25-year-old, it comes as little surprise to see him consider a move, particularly given his demotion back to second choice.
There is no suggestion of a possible candidate to replace Karius, however, with few low-cost options on the market—and it could be that Klopp seeks an experienced backup for Alisson.
Encouraging, however, is the manager’s willingness to promote Grabara, who has been a standout performer for the U18s and U23s since joining from Ruch Chorzow.
The 19-year-old has already featured once for the Reds this pre-season, in this month’s 3-2 win at Tranmere Rovers, and can hope for more game time before the end of the summer.
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