Given Liverpool’s problems at the back, Simon Mignolet’s concerning performances and high profile mistakes, it’s no wonder that Brendan Rodgers’ side have been linked with many goalkeepers over the past few weeks.
The January transfer window is upon us soon and with second choice goalkeeper, Brad Jones not likely to be the solution to Liverpool’s goalkeeper problems, here’s a look at two goalkeepers – potentially available in the winter transfer window – whom Brendan Rodgers should seriously consider signing.
Guillermo Ochoa
The Mexican goalkeeper had a standout tournament in the 2014 FIFA World Cup – not only did he help his nation progress to the last 16 of the competition in a rather tough group, but he got a clean sheet against the hosts, Brazil, making many impressive saves in what was a crucial point in a 0-0 draw.
Ochoa ended the tournament, having conceded just 3 goals in 4 games leading to many clubs vying for his signature. In the end, he signed for La Liga club, Malaga who had just lost Willy Caballero to Manchester City so one would have assumed the Mexican would be the new first choice goalkeeper.
However, things haven’t panned out that way as Carlos Kameni has been preferred to Ochoa who is yet to make a league appearance this season, with his only Malaga appearance coming in the Copa del Rey.
With reports of him being unhappy, Liverpool could do better than snatch Ochoa on the cheap for a reported £4 million – a bargain at this level. Ochoa is only 29-years-old and to play in the Premier League and Europa League regularly is something much more desirable than sitting on the Malaga bench.
Sergio Romero
Another goalkeeper who shined during the World Cup was Sergio Romero as he helped Argentina reached the final. The Argentine was on loan at Monaco last season but barely played due to being second choice but Romero is back at Sampdoria playing regularly.
In fact, Romero has been one of the standout performers this season in Serie A, helping his side go on an unbeaten run with Sampdoria not tasting defeat since October 29th.
The lure of England and some European action would however, signify some improvement for the World Cup finalist on a personal and career level whose performances in Brazil – especially in the penalty shootout against Holland – warrant a place at a big(ger) club.
Italian media believe Liverpool are closing in on the player though anything isn’t to be certain at this point. What could swing in the Reds’ favour is the fact that Romero’s agent is super agent, Mino Raiola. The famous football agent helped engineer a move for another client in Mario Balotelli to Liverpool and is thought to be getting the wheels in motion for another deal.
However, with Romero’s contract expiring this summer, it’s hard to see Liverpool not go for the cheaper option and pursue the Argentine possibly for a free transfer later in the year.
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