Former Liverpool 'keeper Karius signs for Schalke

Former Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius on Tuesday signed for German second-division side Schalke, the latest in a series of clubs as he tries to revive his career.

Karius has bounced around teams in England, Germany and Turkey but has failed to secure significant game time.

The 31-year-old was widely criticised following an error-ridden performance in Liverpool's 3-1 Champions League final loss to Real Madrid in 2018, his last match for the club.

Five days after the match, Karius was diagnosed with concussion, having collided with Real defender Sergio Ramos.

Most recently he was with Premier League club Newcastle but has been a free agent since his contract expired in July 2024.

"Schalke are a big club with passionate fans," Karius said in a statement, adding "I'm looking forward to training with the team."

Karius joins fallen giants Schalke, who are also looking for an upturn in fortunes.

One of Germany's biggest clubs with seven top-flight titles, Schalke sit just six points above the relegation play-off place in the German second division.

Having arrived in Gelsenkirchen for a medical on Friday, Karius is expected to be Schalke's back-up 'keeper behind Justin Heekeren.