According to a report from the Sun, Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe wants a new goalkeeper to compete for No.1 shirt with Artur Boruc set to leave this summer. Liverpool outcast Simon Mignolet is among the Cherries’ top goalkeeping targets, which also include Stoke City’s Jack Butland and Nick Pope of Burnley, adds the report.
Bournemouth have faced goalkeeping problems this season, with Asmir Begovic falling way short of expectations at the Vitality. Begovic’s consistent poor displays between the sticks saw Eddie Howe drop the Bosnian and make veteran Artur Boruc his No.1.
Boruc has performed admirably well but at 39, he is nearing retirement. Even though Begovic has returned to the starting XI of late after spending nearly two months on the bench, the Bosnia international remains unreliable. Hence, it’s a no-brainer Bournemouth needs a new goalkeeper and Howe would be wise to make a move for Simon Mignolet.
Mignolet, 31, has barely had a chance to stake his claim at Liverpool after the Merseysiders spent heavily for Alisson Becker during the summer transfer window.
Alisson has proven to be a huge hit so far at Anfield, leaving Mignolet with absolutely no game time whatsoever. But before Alisson’s arrival, Mignolet was a consistent presence in goal for the Reds, ever since he joined from Sunderland in 2013.
Poor decision-making and silly mistakes has riddled the Belgian’s career at Anfield, even though he has managed more than 200 appearances for Liverpool in the Premier League. Jurgen Klopp persisted with Mignolet for a long time despite his error-strewn performances but after Alisson’s arrival, the 31-year-old shot-stopper has managed just two appearances in cup competitions this campaign.
Thus, the summer transfer window will be the right time for Mignolet to leave Liverpool and reignite his sputtering career. A move to Bournemouth would make complete sense for the Belgium international as Eddie Howe’s side are in search of a new goalkeeper.
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Mignolet has plenty of experience to offer and would bring a much-needed calming presence at the back. The former Sunderland man is just 31, meaning he still has a lot to provide at the top level. He’ll definitely add quality and pedigree to the goalkeeping department, whilst replacing the 39-year-old Boruc and competing with Begovic.
Boruc’s time at the Vitality is clearly up and Bournemouth need someone to take the baton from the veteran goalkeeper. Mignolet may not have lived up to the expectations of the Liverpool fans but he still remains a quality shot-stopper that deserves a shot at a mid-table Premier League club.