16 Feb 2017

Transfer to Liverpool? Klopp keen to sign 'superb' €28m international; summer deal planned

Is Loris Karius about to be relegated to permanent bench duty?

Karius only arrived at Anfield last summer, but it appears that Jurgen Klopp has his eye on yet another Bundesliga goalkeeper. According to reports this week, both Liverpool and Arsenal are keen to sign Bayer Leverkusen star Bernd Leno, who is just a year older than Karius.

Liverpool have been linked with Leno several times in the past, with the last link coming in October 2015, just after Klopp took over at Anfield, with reports at the time claiming that Klopp was considering a move for either Leno or Karius.

Karius ultimately got the nod, but perhaps Klopp has buyer's remorse, and is moving to rectify his mistake? Or, Liverpool's boss is lining up a replacement for Mignolet, with €28m Leno top of the transfer shortlist.

Karius is already struggling to hold down a first-team place, and if 'superb' Leno arrives at the club, it'll be just as hard to maintain a place in the first XI.

Obviously, it'll be a surprise if Klopp dumps Karius after just one year, but is the German an upgrade on Karius. Bundesliga stats for both players:

* Leno: 299 goals conceded in 250 apps (One every 75 mins). 85 clean sheets (One every 266 mins)

* Karius: 124 goals conceded in 96 apps (One every 69 mins). 32 clean sheets (One every 267 mins)

Leno's primary stats are slightly better than Karius', but the thing that stands out the most is the experience gap. Leno is only 9 months older than Karius, but he's played significantly more games. A good target?


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