Liverpool have confirmed the £4.7 million signing of esteemed young German goalkeeper Loris Karius on a five-year deal from Mainz.
The 22-year-old, who has amassed 91 Bundesliga appearances, is the third new acquisition ahead of Jurgen Klopp’s first full season in charge at Anfield following moves for Cameroon international Joel Matip and Serbian starlet Marko Grujic.
As reported by Goal 10 days ago, the stopper was one of the manager’s premier targets as he strengthens the club’s rearguard and shakes up the goalkeeping department.
He will wear the No.1 shirt, which he requested and was available.
Karius, with an aggressive starting position, stellar command of his area and excellent shot-stopping skills, will provide overdue competition to Simon Mignolet.
Adam Bogdan is set to be let go, while Danny Ward is expected to spend 2016-17 on loan at Huddersfield.
Karius, who spent two years in Manchester City’s youth set-up between 2009 to 2011, admitted last month that "it would be a great to play in England again." He also explained that he would only move on if he had the feeling that "everything fits perfectly" with a prospective club.
Liverpool’s interest enthused Karius, who could not pass up the chance to further develop under Klopp. The Reds boss is still revered in Mainz, where he was at the helm for seven years from 2001 to 2008.
The goalkeeper from the south of Germany was originally thought to have a release clause of just under £8 million, but that figure was skewered, with Liverpool able to do business for almost half the price.
Karius is rated as one of the foremost young talents of his country and his fellow professionals voted him the second best gloveman in the Bundesliga behind only Manuel Neuer.
He could miss the start of the Premier League season, though, as he is expected to be in Germany's squad for the Olympic Games in Brazil.
Liverpool also plan to step up their pursuit of Leicester left-back Ben Chilwell as Klopp continues to bolster his squad, with talks also ongoing for Mahmoud Dahoud.
If the Reds are to land the Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder it would considered a massive coup considering the amount of interest in the 20-year-old.
Poland international Piotr Zielinski has been open about his desire to move to Anfield, but there is no such positivity from top target Mario Gotze.
The World Cup winner has not given Liverpool any assurances, parting with his management firm before stating: "I look forward to the new season in Munich, and will do everything possible to be in top shape for my first training session under Carlo Ancelotti."
The 23-year-old is not understood to be central to the Italian’s plans for next season and whether he stays at the Allianz Arena remains to be seen, but a switch to Anfield is looking increasingly unlikely.
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