Liverpool Opinion: Reds should sign Adrian as an understudy to Alisson
According to Liverpool Echo, Liverpool are considering a move for out-of-contract West Ham goalkeeper Adrian, with the Reds reportedly looking to bring in an experienced back-up for Alisson.
Liverpool Echo also understands that the 32-year-old Spaniard is set to depart West Ham after spending six years in east London and the Reds are likely to face stiff competition from the likes of Crystal Palace and Bournemouth in their pursuit of the veteran.
Adrian, who joined West Ham in the summer of 2013 on a free transfer from La Liga outfit Real Betis, served as the Hammers’ No.1 between the sticks for five seasons before slipping down the pecking order following the arrival of Lukasz Fabianski from Swansea City last summer.
The 32-year-old didn’t start a single Premier League games this term and made only 5 appearances in the domestic cup competitions, with Fabianski making the No.1 role his own with a string of fine displays in goal.
However, Adrian is set to leave West Ham with an impressive record, having managed 43 clean sheets in 150 appearances for the Hammers in all competitions over the course of six seasons. The Spaniard boasts of quite an eye-catching profile for a goalkeeper, although he has never played at the international level.
Bournemouth are probably looking at Adrian as a replacement for the likes of Asmir Begovic and Artur Boruc, with both the shot-stoppers letting the team down with some high-profile errors and lacklustre performances between the sticks this season. Palace are also on the lookout for a replacement to fill in the void left the departure of long-standing club-legend Julian Speroni.
To put things into perspective, Adrian might not have played much first-team football over the last year or so but he boasts of a very impressive record between the sticks at West Ham. Still only 32, the Spaniard has plenty to offer at the highest level and Liverpool have every reason to look at him as a cheap and affordable back-up for Alisson.
Liverpool managed to put an end to their goalkeeping woes by striking a deal for Alisson last summer.
The Brazilian quickly established himself as the No.1 at Anfield and impressed with a staggering 26 clean sheets in a total of 50 appearances across all competitions this past season. However, the Reds need to bring in a back-up for the Brazilian, with Simon Mignolet seemingly fed up with his lack of involvement.
Liverpool would have relished having someone like Mignolet as an understudy to Alisson for the upcoming season but the Belgian is keen to complete a move away from Anfield to enjoy regular minutes, with newly-promoted outfit Norwich City, Watford and Bournemouth all keen on securing the 31-year-old’s services. (h/t Mirror)
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With Loris Karius’ career at Anfield apparently over, Mignolet’s departure would render the Reds short of cover in their options between the sticks.
Adrian is a hugely experienced shot-stopper and a proven customer in the Premier League, meaning that it won’t be much of a gamble for Liverpool to sign him up on a free transfer.
