The Germany U21 international agreed to join the Reds on a five-year contract after completing a medical at the Merseyside club.

The 22-year-old goalkeeper will inherit the No.1 jersey when he arrives at Anfield in July following his transfer from FSV Mainz 05, but knows he faces opposition for a starting berth, reports the Liverpool website.

‘Competition is just part of a big club like this. I want to become the No.1, have success with Liverpool and play in Europe as soon as possible. Those are my goals,’ Karius said.

Karius admits that the day before he signed for Liverpool he was convinced that he was taking the right step forward in his career.

‘The day before I signed the contract I was shown around the club and its surroundings, I was immediately convinced that this would be the right and the next important step in my career,’ added Karius.

The former FSV Mainz 05 goalkeeper has represented Germany at U21 level, made 34 Bundesliga appearances last season, keeping nine clean sheets to help Mainz to a sixth-place finish.

Karius will became Liverpool’s second signing of the summer after Joel Matip signed a pre-contract with the club.