Liverpool have reportedly offered a new deal to backup goalkeeper Adrian to extend the Spaniard’s career on Merseyside.
The 34-year-old could be set to remain a Red for a third season having signed as a free agent ahead of the successful 2019/20 campaign.
This could mean young Irish stopper Caoimhin Kelleher could head out on loan – despite seemingly moving ahead of Adrian in the pecking order earlier this season.
According to the report from the Daily Mail, as cited by The Anfield Talk on Twitter, Jurgen Klopp is assessing alternative options to the Spanish ‘keeper should he decide to move on.
Twitter: Says here that LFC have offered Adrian a new deal, Kelleher could be loaned out and if Adrian doesn’t stay, we will… https://t.co/EfukGqiTXU (@TheAnfieldTalk)
One potential veteran goalkeeper mentioned as a possible incoming was Aston Villa’s Tom Heaton, however, the 35-year-old now looks set to head back to Manchester United.
Remarkably, Liverpool still have the much-maligned Loris Karius on their books, despite the German spending the last three seasons away from Anfield on loan.
Adrian has made just six appearances across all competitions – only three of which have come in the Premier League.
READ LIVERPOOL VERDICT
Sending Kelleher out on loan to obtain further first-team exposure would be a smart move from the club, were they to sign a reliable understudy to Alisson Becker.
For a goalkeeper, the Brazilian has rather a dubious injury record and frankly, Klopp can’t be left high and dry with only Adrian as a senior understudy.
Some credit should go to Adrian, who stepped into the breach at short notice when Alisson came off injured against Norwich on the opening day in 2019 – becoming a hero in the UEFA Super Cup final against Chelsea a week later.
Performances since then have left a lot to be desired and allowing Kelleher to leave having usurped the former West Ham man would be a bizarre decision, to say the least.
