Jurgen Klopp has told Loris Karius that he is free to leave Liverpool.
Karius arrived at Anfield from Mainz but has not featured since his infamous performance during the 2018 Champions League final loss to Real Madrid.
The 28-year-old goalkeeper spent successive loan spells with Besiktas and Union Berlin in his homeland but failed to secure a permanent transfer.
Since returning the Reds, Karius has been unable to force his way into the first-team reckoning despite injury and Covid limiting goalkeeper options.
With the former Germany under-21 international’s contract expiring this summer, Klopp confirmed that his compatriot’s Anfield career is over.
Karius is out of contract at the end of this season and Klopp, who did not consider the former Mainz keeper for selection when Alisson, Caoimhin Kelleher and Adrián were unavailable through Covid or injury, is open to an early exit.
He said: “There are different things [to consider].
“One is Loris Karius the player, who is doing absolutely nothing wrong and he is a really good shape.
“He is training really hard and he is fully committed. That is clear.
“Before the season we made a decision and obviously it was in the club’s interest as well that Loris finds a new club but that didn’t happen.
“We made a decision that he will be treated completely normally.
“As long as we don’t have a massive situation here our No 1 is Ali, our No 2 is Caoimhin, No 3 is Adrian and No 4 is Marcelo [Pitaluga].
“That is already four goalkeepers and we were never in a situation where we had to use a fifth one. It is nothing to do with the quality.
“We made the decision and the boys do really well. I think everyone is impressed by the development of Caoimhin Kelleher, who is ready for pretty much everything.
“We all know about the quality of Adrian and the impact he has on training and in the dressing room and he would be always ready to go.
“Marcelo is an incredible talent, so the next one in line.
“I wish Loris only the best and he will find a club whether it is now or in the summer and from there he will go on, I’m very sure.”