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Liverpool could be in the market for a new number one this summer
All the signs suggest that he’s almost certainly going to join Juventus, meaning the Reds will be forced to decide whether to put their full faith in current understudy Giorgi Mamardashvili, or cut their losses on the Georgian giant and go all guns blazing in the transfer window to sign a higher quality option.
Adding further complication to the matter, it’s set to be somewhat of a transfer merry-go-round when it comes to goalkeepers in the Premier League this summer, with a number of clubs set to shake things up in the shot-stopping department. The Reds will need to act swiftly to secure their preferred target ahead of their rivals, with the transfer window now just six weeks away from opening.
Who will Liverpool’s next goalkeeper be? Premier League options
Emi Martinez (Aston Villa) - It looks like the Argentina international will be leaving the Villans this summer, after a number of painful ‘will-he-or-won’t-he?’ window-long sagas. An exceptional shot-stopper also gifted with composure when the ball’s at his feet, Liverpool could do a lot worse than Martinez. It remains to be seen whether he actually wants to remain in the Premier League, however, with lucrative offers from abroad likely to flood in.
James Trafford (Man City) - The ex-Burnley prodigy joined the Citizens for £27m last summer ready to be their new number one - only for Gianluigi Donnarumma to turn up and snatch the gloves clean off his hands. He’s said to be far from pleased with the situation, and is expected to move on this summer. Newcastle and Tottenham are also believed to be interested in the England international, however.
Bart Verbruggen (Brighton) - Another excellent Premier League option, Verbruggen is stellar example of the Seagulls’ exceptional recruitment strategy. They paid just £16m for the now 23-year-old stopper, who continues to attract attention from a host of elite clubs. He’ll leave Brighton eventually, as all their best young players do, but qualifying for Europe just might keep him on the south coast for one more season.
Liverpool’s next goalkeeper - Options from Europe
Lucas Chevalier (PSG) - Once viewed as France’s future number one for years to come, the 24-year-old has fallen behind Matvey Safonov in the PSG pecking order, and could well look for an exit this summer. Liverpool look like they’re keen on the ex-Lille star, who was believed to be on their radar before they eventually signed Mamardashvili.
Diogo Costa (Porto) - He’s been linked with a move to the Premier League with various clubs for years, and this summer might finally be the moment it happens, with Liverpool and Newcastle both set to be in the mix. He’s believed to have a £52m release clause in his contract, which the Reds should have no difficulty in meeting.
Michele Di Gregorio (Juventus) - Could a sensational swap deal be the way Liverpool sort out their goalkeeping mess? Probably not, although recent reports did indicate that it was a proposal Juventus were in the process of preparing. He’s a safe pair of hands between the sticks, but the Reds will want to go their own way in their hunt for a new number one, rather than looking to make things convenient for Juve.
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