He might have played a grand total of two games under Eddie Howe since joining Newcastle United but a lack of game time is not the only reason why the seldom-seen Magpie is keen on a fresh start away from the Premier League outfit.
His fiancée lives some 1,000 miles away from Tyneside, after all.
And loved-up he may be, a man with Lorius Karius’ schedule is incapable of making that Proclaimers-length trip from Newcastle to Italy every week, no matter how much he might like to.
Karius’ contract expires this summer. The former Liverpool, Besiktas and Mainz goalkeeper is all-but certain to say his goodbyes when July 1st arrives, opportunities fleeting and only coming when Nick Pope and Martin Dubravka are absent.
The man himself, meanwhile, has made no secret of his desire to move a little closer to his wife-to-be – and Sky Italia reporter – Diletta Leotta.
Loris Karius set for Newcastle United exit
“Of course, it would be a great solution if there were good options for me (in Italy),” Karius, who is now represented by former Azzurri midfielder Claudio Marchisio, tells Gazzetta dello Sport. “I have always followed Serie A and it intrigues me a lot.
“(Marchisio) and I are friends. I know him well and I think he is the right person (to represent me).”
“I want to go back to being a number one like I always have been, except for the last two years,” adds Karius, who unfortunately will always be remembered for that error-strewn display in the 2018 Champions League final.
“When I play, I do well. And I know I have enough quality to perform at the highest levels again.”
Marchisio, speaking to Diario AS, did not confirm exactly what the future holds for his client. But the task facing the Juventus icon is likely to revolve around finding a club capable of offering Karius a place in the starting XI. If that club is based in Italy, then even better.
Monza and Como have been identified as two potential destinations by Leotta.
Serie A move is the German’s top priority
“We know his story. Loris is a boy who still really wants to play and show his talent,” Marchisio explains. “He has been labelled for that mistake (against Real Madrid six years ago), but he is not the only footballer who made a mistake in an important match.
“He wants to show everyone that he is a great goalkeeper.”
Newcastle, Financial Fair Play allowing, appear to be planning for a big summer after a disappointing second season under Howe. It is far from certain that the Englishman will be in charge for a third either. HITC Football understands that Newcastle, while eyeing up the likes of Teun Koopmeiners, Benjamin Sesko, Joao Gomes and Quinten Timber, are also considering former Man City boss Roberto Mancini as their next manager.