LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 02: Adrian of Liverpool celebrates after his side score their second goal during the UEFA Champions League group E match between Liverpool FC and RB Salzburg at Anfield on October 02, 2019 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
According to The Express, Liverpool have been tipped to sell second-choice goalkeeper Adrian in the summer by former Premier League goalkeeper Shaka Hislop.
Adrian, 33, came through the ranks of Real Betis’ youth system and joined West Ham on a free transfer in the summer of 2013. After making 150 appearances for the Hammers in six years, he was signed by Liverpool last summer as a deputy to first-choice shot-stopper Alisson.
The Spaniard was instrumental in Liverpool’s UEFA Super Cup win against Chelsea back in August when he saved Tammy Abraham’s penalty. He then featured regularly in the absence of the Brazilian and performed well in his initial days at Anfield.
However, in recent days, the former Real Betis man lost his charm and has been the centre of focus in Liverpool’s exit from the Champions League at the hands of Atletico Madrid. He was at fault for the La Liga side’s first goal and could not do well to stop the other goals in the second leg despite having a strong defence to back him.
Adrian was also at fault for Chelsea’s first goal in the FA Cup that Saw the Reds crash out from another competition. In recent weeks, he has not been at his best and Jurgen Klopp should look to replace the Spaniard with a young and energetic goalkeeper.
Liverpool’s dominance in the Premier League was cut short by Watford, who scored 3 past them a few weeks back. The Reds have exited from other competitions in the space of one week. Hence, it would be good if Jurgen Klopp makes some changes to his squad at the end of the season and ensures he strengthens every area.
Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson has been excellent in the last two years for the Reds but has not had a proper backup. And if Liverpool are to carry their good run of form, they should look to sign a goalkeeper who can be effective both from the bench and as a starter.
By bringing in a goalkeeping reinforcement, Adrian’s chances of getting game time would be limited and he would be eventually benched. This would make Liverpool waste their resources on a player who would not get enough opportunities.
The Spaniard is already 33 and has very little to offer in the future. He may not be effective as he was at the beginning of his Liverpool career. Hence, it would be a good call by the club to sell their second-choice shot-stopper and find a replacement.
