Loris Karius has the opportunity for redemption in Newcastle’s cup final against Man United

SportsJOE

“He’s ready to play.”

When people hear the name Loris Karius, there is no doubt they are transported right back to the Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid. His blunders, writes Donal Long, would not only cost Liverpool European glory but would also send his career down a slippery slope.

The German goalkeeper would last put on a Liverpool shirt during that Champions League final, never getting his chance to redeem himself. In the summer of 2018, he was sent to Turkey on a two-year loan, playing for Besiktas. Over the two seasons, Karius notched up 55 appearances, finishing third in both seasons.

This time at Besiktas may have been a much-needed confidence boost. His save percentages stood at 72.4% and 72.2% for each respective season. However, it was not his lack of good performances that would see him move away from Turkey.

Karius launched complaints to FIFA about unpaid wages with the Turkish giants. These events would eventually lead to the German getting his contract cancelled, and returning to Anfield.

Despite showing some good form in the Turkish Super League, Liverpool decided to loan their German keeper out again. This time heading to Union Berlin, which, in hindsight, was not the best move for Karius.

Andreas Luthe, who now plays for 2. Bundesliga side FC Kaiserslautern, was the preferred number one for Union Berlin during the 2020-21 season when Karius was there. This meant Karius would only get four appearances under his belt in his home country.

Loris Karius pictured at Stadio Olimpico in 2018. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Not surprisingly, this was not enough to extend Karius’ Liverpool contract. This meant for a large portion of 2022, the German was without a club. This changed in September when Newcastle United decided to sign Karius on a six-month contract until January 2023.

His position in the club would see him act as a second-choice goalkeeper for Newcastle, behind Nick Pope while Martin Dubravka was on loan at Manchester United. However, fell to third choice when Dubravka returned from Manchester United on January 1st. Despite this, Newcastle still extended his contract until the end of the season.

Despite signing in September, Karius is yet to play for Newcastle. Although, that is all set to change very soon. Nick Pope was suspended for a straight red card offence against Liverpool on February 18th. His suspension carries into the league cup, meaning he will not be available for the final versus Manchester United on Sunday. As well as this, backup Martin Dubravka is cup tied for Newcastle, as he featured in the competition for their opponents.

This means there is only one clear goalkeeping option available for Newcastle, Loris Karius. He is set to make his Newcastle debut in Wembley for a League Cup final, with Mark Gillespie in reserve. It will be his first game for an English side since that infamous Champions League final.

Newcastle anager Eddie Howe has backed his goalkeeper ahead of the league cup final, telling Sky Sports: “I think he’s in a good place and he’s ready to play.”

Can Loris Karius perform well to resurrect his career and bring Newcastle their first trophy since 1969? He will be desperate for a chance to get a shot at cup final redemption.

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