Brendan Rodgers is going to be a busy man this month but one of his main priorities should be signing a goalkeeper. Simon Mignolet has failed to perform in a Liverpool shirt in the Premier League this season and Rodgers has become frustrated with his inconsistent displays in between the sticks.
Liverpool will want to sign a quality goalkeeper that can slot straight into the starting eleven, adding solidarity and the ability to effectively command his area. Goalkeepers are usually available on the cheap so a potential signing should not break the bank for Liverpool, who will look to invest heavily in positions further up the pitch. However, the importance of a good goalkeeper should never be underestimated.
Here are FIVE keepers to take the number one jersey at Anfield this January…
Matthew Ryan
If Liverpool are looking to sign a long-term replacement for Simon Mignolet this January, Matthew Ryan could fit the bill. The 22-year-old has been earning rave reviews in Belgium, performing consistently well for Club Brugge.
The young Australian has been tipped to leave the Belgian league in the near future in order to develop his career in Europe further. He is currently playing for Australia in the Asia Cup but many Liverpool fans will have their doubts over whether Ryan can immediately replace Simon Mignolet this month.
Norberto Murara Neto
Reports in the Daily Star suggest Fiorentina goalkeeper Nato is the subject of a £2 million bid from Liverpool this month. The gifted 25-year-old has been identified as a possible replacement for Juventus veteran Gianluigi Buffon but Liverpool have jumped to the front of the queue in order to capture the Brazilian’s signature.
The Italian club may demand more money for a promising player that has featured 59 times for them. Again, Liverpool fans may have their reservations in signing a goalkeeper that is unproven in the Premier League.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen
Tipped as one of the best young goalkeeping talents in world football, ter Stegen would represent something of a coup for Liverpool as the German only joined Spanish giants Barcelona in the summer window.
The 22-year-old is believed to be unhappy with playing second fiddle to Caludio Bravo at the Nou Camp and may welcome a potential move away from the club this January. However, it is unlikely that Barcelona would let one of their goalkeepers leave permanently due to the transfer ban that has been enforced on the club. Instead, a loan deal until the end of the season would give Brendan Rodgers a short-term solution to the goalkeeping situation at Anfield and would give ter Stegen regular first team football.
Asmir Begovic
The impressive Asmir Begovic would be an excellent signing for Liverpool in January. The Stoke City goalkeeper boasts a wealth of Premier League experience and is widely regarded as one of the best keepers in the league.
It will take a big bid from Liverpool for Stoke to even consider selling him and Rodgers may feel that he wants to invest the money elsewhere. However, Begovic would certainly be a quality replacement for Mignolet but the goalkeeper may have higher ambitions, seeking a move to one of the European giants in the summer.
Sergio Romero
The Sampdoria goalkeeper impressed for Argentina at the World Cup and has performed well for his club this season. His contract is up in the summer so Sampdoria may want to cash in on the 27-year-old this month.
The player has also been linked with a move to Goodison Park so Liverpool will have to move quickly if they want to sign the World Cup star. Whether the goalkeeper has the ability to become Liverpool’s long-term number one remains to be seen but he could be an effective short-term solution for Brendan Rodgers.
