Simon Mignolet Questions 'Strange' Liverpool Decision on Loris Karius Loan
Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet said it was "strange" of the club to allow Loris Karius to leave on loan while he has remained.
Karius joined Besiktas on a two-year loan, while Mignolet will play second fiddle to new signing Alisson Becker at Anfield.
He told Het Laatste Nieuws (h/t Goal):
"Karius' transfer changed nothing for me. I've always been clear: I want to play. Whether I'm No. 2 or No. 3 doesn't matter. Playing time is the most important thing.
"I haven't been told anything since Loris left. I don't know what my future with Liverpool looks like. We shall see what happens this week.
"I find it strange that Karius was loaned out, while I also had options for a loan. But for some reason that wasn't possible.
"A 'keeper who was made first choice ahead of me last year gets to leave on loan. Strange."
There's still time for Mignolet to leave the club this month, but the Reds have decided they won't let him move on in this window, per the Guardian's Andy Hunter.
Karius wrestled the No. 1 spot away from Mignolet last season, but the former's disastrous showing in the UEFA Champions League final, in which he gifted Real Madrid two goals, effectively brought an end to his Reds career.
Mignolet's desire to play first-team football is understandable, and it seems he won't get much of it at Liverpool this season provided Alisson stays fit.
The Brazilian has already impressed during his short time at the club:
However, the club offloaded fellow back-up Danny Ward to Leicester City, and the Reds would leave themselves short of cover if they let both Mignolet and Karius leave.
With Karius looking to have no way back at Liverpool, it made more sense to allow him to move on this summer.
It's no surprise Mignolet is frustrated, and it seems the club could have communicated with him better, but it seems he'll need to accept his situation until January at the earliest.
In the meantime, he'll need to take any opportunities he's given to enhance his prospects.
