Liverpool just snuck into the UEFA Champions League places last season, but they could have done it so much easier.
It took them until the very last game of the season to secure the 4th spot in the Premier League, and they could have secured a place even earlier if it wasn’t for their habit of struggling against smaller teams.
They came up short in so many matches, and this was partly down to their questionable defence. We take a look at five options for them in the number 1 position;
Joe Hart
One goalkeeper that has shown he is more than good enough to perform in the top flight is Joe Hart.
The England number 1 has fallen out of favour at Manchester City since Pep Guardiola’s arrival but would be a great piece of business for Liverpool at a cut price. West Ham are reportedly set to sign him on a loan deal, but as we all know it’s pretty common for deals such as this to be hijacked.
While his loan spell at Torino last term wasn’t the best year of his career, Man City missed him between the sticks, and he could bring a lot more stability to Liverpool’s back line.
Stick with Mignolet
The cheapest option for Jürgen Klopp is to stay loyal to Mignolet who has had some brilliant games in the past for the Reds.
However, it is his inconsistent nature that has left the German boss looking for a new shot-stopper as he cost them points in several matches last season, especially against weaker opposition.
The Belgian keeper is a good goalkeeper, but if Liverpool want to move onto the next level (Champions League etc.), they will have to spend the money to replace him.
Kasper Schmeichel
Kasper Schmeichel of Leicester City could be an option for Liverpool to sign after they reportedly showed interest in signing the Dane at the end of the 2015/16 season.
He was a bright spark in Leicester’s semi-abysmal season, and he is being looked at by some big clubs including Manchester United. But if Liverpool act fast with a big enough offer to tempt the Foxes, then they could see Schmeichel pulling on the Liverpool shirt in August.
Give Loris Karius a second chance
When Loris Karius was signed last summer by the Reds, it was expected that he would take over from Mignolet as the first-choice goalkeeper, but with just 16 starts last season along with a broken hand, it wasn’t the case.
Although, after his successful recovery he could be in line to take over from the former Sunderland keeper at Anfield. At just 24, he has plenty of time ahead of him and could prove a long-term replacement as the number 1 keeper.
Sergio Rico
With reported interest from Liverpool, Sergio Rico of Sevilla could be a player they choose to pursue as Klopp looks to lock down a permanent first choice goalkeeper before the season begins.
The Spanish stopper has experience of rubbing shoulders with Europe’s elite as he kept five clean sheets in his eight Champions League appearances last season until his side were knocked out by a certain Leicester City.
At 23 years of age, he has already played well over 100 matches for Sevilla and could be available for a small fee by the modern tansfer market’s standards.
