Liverpool goalkeeper hunt explained as £17m ace ‘turns down’ transfer

Arne Slot will be assessing his Liverpool squad over the next few weeks as he makes decision over where to strengthen in the summer transfer window.

The new head coach officially started his role this week after replacing Jurgen Klopp at Anfield. The Dutchman will want to put his own spin on the squad ahead of the start of pre-season.

One position where there has been a lot of talk is goalkeeper. First choice Alisson has been tentatively linked with a move away, although that is unlikely.

A more likely move will come for second-choice goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher. The Irishman could leave the club in search for more first-team football. If he does leave then Liverpool are expected to be on the search for a replacement in the summer transfer window.

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Here is a roundup of the situation with the goalkeeper department at Anfield ahead of pre-season with some decisions already made.

Adrian decision

Liverpool have confirmed that they have offered a new contract to Adrian, despite comments from the player saying that he could move on this summer. He is currently third-choice behind Alisson and Kelleher, although the latter of the two is expected to depart.

Speaking about his future last month, Adrian hinted that it was time to move on. "I would like to return to La Liga after 11 seasons in the Premier League," he said, speaking to Mucho Deporte.

"It would be the end of a cycle. I’m still ready to compete. I feel very good despite being 37.

"You know that goalkeepers, if you take good care of yourself, if you haven’t had any serious injuries lately and you’re fine, the daily training gives you that intensity that makes you compete.

"I think Adrian has a long time left and it’s true that I would like to return to La Liga. It has to be a nice, interesting project."

Adrian added: "I haven’t sat down with Liverpool yet either. I don’t rule out that we could have a pending conversation, but it is true that we will be looking out of the corner of our eye to see what happens in La Liga."

Kelleher admission

It’s not only Adrian who has hinted at a move away from Liverpool this season, Kelleher is also eyeing a number one spot, which is likely to lie away from Liverpool. The Ireland international spelled out his plans at the start of the month.

He said: "Of course, you need to speak to the new manager and the new people at the club, who are coming in. Conversations have to be had with them before anything else happens.

"I think it's a good moment for myself coming off the back of the season where I played the most games I ever have, my confidence is obviously very high and, like you say, I think clubs will have been looking as well and seen me play, so there'll hopefully be some interest elsewhere.

"It's obviously given me a lot of confidence and I think that time is right now. I don't know what's happening yet with Liverpool but I'm open to all options. If I do move, everything has to be right for myself, it has to be the right club, the right thing for myself and that could be in England and it could be abroad, to make the right decision it has to be a good fit for myself most importantly."

Goalkeeper bid

According to journalist Nicolo Schira, Liverpool have missed out on a move for Monza’s Michele Di Gregorio, despite submitting the highest bid for the player. It is said that the goalkeeper wanted to keep his word to Juventus who will sign him on loan with a £17million (€20million) option to buy.

Another target named

It seems that Liverpool are now moving on from DiGregorio and turning their attention to Athletico Paranaense goalkeeper Bento. French outlet SportsZone claims that Liverpool are in the race for the Brazilian alongside Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan, and AC Milan.

The goalkeeper is said to be ready to move to play in Europe after earning his first call-up to the Brazil national team in the 2023/24 season. His inclusion in the squad means that he would have been training alongside Alisson, which could potentially work in Liverpool’s favour.