Former Preston North End and Bolton Wanderers goalkeeper Andy Lonergan will join Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool squad on their trip of the USA.
Lonergan, currently a free agent, was drafted in due to Liverpool’s current lack of fit goalkeepers.
First-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker is still enjoying his summer break after winning the Copa America with Brazil.
Simon Mignolet is the highest-ranking stopper who is available to Klopp for the pre-season friendlies. Young Irishman Caoimhin Kelleher and Vitezslaz Jaros both out injured currently so Lonergan will come in as Mignolet’s backup while also working within the goalkeeping department.
As of yet, it is unclear if Lonergan has been brought in purely as a member of the playing staff or if he will be working with John Achterberg and Jack Robinson as a goalkeeping coach as well.
This shortage of goalkeepers should not be a huge concern for Reds fans as Alisson will return in time for the start of the season against Norwich on August 9th. He may even make it back for Liverpool’s Community Shield curtain-raiser with Manchester City on Sunday, August 4th.
Mignolet is Liverpool’s regular second-choice goalkeeper and he is fully fit at present.
Lonergan, now 35, brings plenty of experience with him. He has been without a club since being released by Middlesbrough at the start of July.
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