With want-away Karius increasingly unlikely to remain with Liverpool, a return to his native Germany is drawing ever nearer.
Loris Karius returned to Liverpool on his own terms earlier this month, rather than those of his parent club.
Following a disappointing and controversial loan spell with Turkish side Besiktas, the ‘keeper terminated his two year deal with the Superliga club.
And now, with horizons clouded, it seems he may well be destined for a Bundesliga homecoming.
Hertha Berlin are “definitely interested” in signing Loris Karius.
— Anfield Edition (@AnfieldEdition) May 26, 2020
The goalkeeper wants a regular starting role, preferably a return to Germany. [@Sky_Marc] pic.twitter.com/3B03JpoVXg
It was during his time with Jurgen Klopp’s former side, 1. FSV Mainz 05, that Karius established himself in the German league. At just 19 years of age, Karius’s debut in 2012 saw him come off the bench against Hannover 96 to become the Bundesliga’s youngest ever goalkeeper.
It wasn’t until the 2013/14 season that Karius established himself as Mainz’s first choice goalkeeper and, just one year later, he would be voted as the league’s second-best goalkeeper by 235 fellow Bundesliga players.
Surely Karius and his agent will share the hope that a return to the ‘keeper’s native Germany will pay dividends, potentially restoring his career to pre-Kiev heights.
With mid-table Hertha Berlin leading the chase to capture Karius’s signature on either a temporary or permanent deal, he just might be set for a reunion with another reds’ loanee.
Hertha Berlin would like to see Grujic find his old form again. For now, they are interested (in the possibility of bringing him in a permanent deal) – Grujic himself wants to go back to England unless he receives a clear signal from Klopp that he doesn’t want him. [@CFBayern] pic.twitter.com/SgawMLfwQo
— LFC Transfer Room (@LFCTransferRoom) May 22, 2020
The German capital currently homes Marco Grujic, who has impressed in short bursts for Die Alte Dame.
The powerful box-to-box midfielder is now 24 and looking to establish himself at a top footballing level, something which has divided opinion of those who have watched his performances regularly.
While full of promise, much like Karius, the Serbian has oft found himself firmly in the middle of the pack; rather than a standout performer.
All rights reserved Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images.
Should Berlin manage to retain the services of Grujic, whilst adding those of Karius, perhaps the two can develop further in a competitive Bundesliga.
Though it seems unlikely that either will feature again for Liverpool any time soon, the pair might yet go a long way in garnering funds at a time when money is scarce across world football.
