Liverpool have struck an initial two-year loan deal which will see Loris Karius join Besiktas until 2020, according to the Liverpool Echo.
The regional newspaper report that the agreement could see Liverpool bank £9.5million, with the Turkish Super Lig side paying an initial £2.25million for the German stopper’s services.
The Echo claim that Besiktas will then have to pay a further £7.25million to buy the 25-year-old in 2020 should certain criteria be met relating to appearances and European qualification, with Liverpool also having a 20% sell-on clause.
It is said that Karius will sign a one-year extension until 2022 with the Reds before heading to Istanbul, with there being the option of a further year should he return in the summer of 2020.
Should Besiktas buy Karius in 2020 then Liverpool will have doubled their £4.75million investment in him in 2016.
OPINION
This is a shrewd move from Liverpool, who have covered all bases with this agreement. They will be allowing Karius, who has been badly affected by his Champions League final horror show, the chance to rebuild his career with a two-year spell at a big club abroad. If he performs well then they will be essentially doubling the £4.75million they invested in him in 2016, and the 20% sell-on clause makes that a brilliant piece of business. If he does not perform so well then he will be returning to the club refreshed regardless, and could provide a good option as their number two again. And finally, should he return to form upon his return to Merseyside, then the club have an option to extend his contract yet again and keep him around. All in all this is a clever agreement from Liverpool who will reap rewards whatever happens during his spell in Istanbul.
