14 May 2016

Anfield-bound? Liverpool favourites to sign 'excellent' €10m Bundesliga star who 'dreams' of transfer to the Prem

Liverpool continue to be linked with new goalkeepers, and with FC Cologne star Timo Horn already in the frame, Jurgen Klopp is reportedly tracking yet another Bundesliga 'stopper'.

The Reds were last linked with Karius in the lead up to the January transfer window, and according to German newspaper Die Welt:

"Liverpool are favourites to sign Mainz goalkeeper Loris Karius, and Reds are willing to meet his €10m buyout clause".

Some info about Karius:

* 22-year old goalkeeper. Current contract expires: 2018

* Mainz: 124 goals conceded in 95 games (One every 68 mins). 31 clean sheets (33% of games)

* This Season: 44 goals conceded in 35 games (One every 71 mins). 9 clean sheets (25% of games)

* Four Four Two Magazine assessment: "Karius looks extremely comfortable racing off his line to close down attackers. Always alert, he narrows the angle quicker than the forwards can react and snuffs out chances regularly".

* Aug 2014: Former Mainz boss Christian Heidel raved: "If Real Madrid had not just signed a goalkeeper, he [Karius] would probably would be in talks there."

* Mar 2016: Mainz captain Julian Baumgartlinger enthused: "Loris has been excellent for two years. He doesn't make mistakes, and has become better and better with the ball. He is on the right track".

* Apr 2016: Karius told reporters: "It would be a dream to play there [the Prem] again. That excites me still. The club is decisive, not the league".

The Bundesliga seems to be a fertile hunting ground for goalkeepers these days, and over the last year, Liverpool have also been linked with Bernd Leno, Timo Horn, and Ron Zieler. Horn remains the standout candidate, though, and his primary stats are far superior to Karius's:

* Horn: Cologne Stats: 135 goals conceded in 141 games (0.9 per game/1 every 94 minutes). 54 clean sheets (38% of games).

Horn also has a lower buyout clause.


Author: Jaimie K


0 Comments:

Post a Comment