Liverpool will be aching to make new additions to the squad after their Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid in Kiev. The Red lost 3-1 on the night, and Loris Karius endured one of the worst games of his life. The goalkeeper was solely responsible for two of Madrid’s goals, either side of a stunning strike from Gareth Bale.
Los Blancos’ first goal came from a sloppy release from the German, which saw Karim Benzema stretch out a foot and sending the ball rolling into the net. Real Madrid’s third goal was a thunderous shot from Bale which probably should have been saved. The ball ricocheted off Karius’ hands and fell into the net, while a simple punch could have kept it out. Karius apologised to the traveling Liverpool fans after the game, pleading for their forgiveness.
There is no certainty as to whether Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp will stick with the German custodian next season. Klopp is known to keep faith in his players and stick to them, rather than bringing in replacements. But it is clear that a new goalkeeper has to be brought in by the Reds as Simon Mignolet could be on his way out of the club.
Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope is reportedly attracting interest from the Merseyside club. The youngster made a name for himself last season in the Premier League, after coming on for Tom Heaton, who suffered a shoulder injury in the opening weeks. There were concerns as to whether Pope would be able to replicate the kind of performances Heaton displayed in the 2016/17 campaign. But he stepped in brilliantly, topping the saves chart at one point of the season. Pope made 35 appearances last season, keeping 11 clean sheets in the process. He made a total of 114 saves in the league. His efforts have been rewarded with a spot in England’s World Cup squad.
At the age 26, the goalkeeper has shown immense potential by putting in impressive displays on a consistent basis last term. There is a certain maturity to his game and it is clearly evident he will only get better with time.
With the return of Tom Heaton, Pope might not be looking at regular game time next season. A move to the Merseyside club would benefit the goalkeeper. He would be slotted straight into the starting line-up at Anfield.
It is absolutely vital for Liverpool to sign a new goalkeeper this summer. For years, it has been a huge problem area for the Reds, with all their goalkeepers producing inconsistent displays since the days of Pepe Reina. A goalkeeper is capable of helping a team win titles, which is exactly why Liverpool need to get this deal done as soon as possible.
