Liverpool have a solid goalkeeping line-up, with Brazilian goalkeeper Allison Becker and Irish goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, as well as experienced third goalkeeper Adrian in reserve. They are also developing promising youngsters such as Fabian Morozek, and have not neglected to invest in the future.
However, the Spanish goalkeeper, who has been a driving force in training and a spiritual pillar of the club, will see his contract expire this summer. At 37 years of age, he is no longer available, and a return to Spain or retirement is not out of the question.
Liverpool are looking at players who could replace him. According to This Is Anfield, Liverpool are interested in 23-year-old goalkeeper Anthony Paterson, who plays for Sunderland, and will try to acquire him in the summer transfer window.
The report also states that they need to win a battle with Arsenal, Leeds United and Leicester City. He has a long way to go, having signed a five-year deal in September 2023, with his contract expiring in June 2028.
Nevertheless, an offer of between £10m and £15m could convince Sunderland, and it seems unlikely that an exorbitant transfer fee will be demanded.
Born in Newcastle, the 23-year-old goalkeeper grew up in Sunderland’s academy before a loan spell at Notts County, where he became a regular midway through the 2021/22 season and has kept the goalmouth in over 100 games for the club.
He has started every game in the Championship this season. Although he is not the type of goalkeeper who can leap out and cover a wide area like a modern goalkeeper, he has excellent shot-stopping ability and can be a good replacement for Adrian on the pitch.
He is not as comprehensive a keeper as Kelleher and does not look capable enough to be the second choice goalkeeper. Depending on what style of play the new coach prefers, the ideal player would be able to defend the vast spaces behind the centre-backs, which is a recent trend.
Reinforcing veteran players who can be free transfers would be a good idea, but how will Liverpool replace their goalkeepers…?