Liverpool’s goalkeeping situation is a fascinating one just now. Allison Becker is the clear number one whilst there are question marks about number two Caoimhin Kelleher’s long-term future with numerous Premier League clubs circling. With Adrian’s contract set to expire and no renewal talks set to take place, Jurgen Klopp will naturally be seeking a senior back-up in some format. This looks like one that you’d seriously back and If anything, you’d be more surprised if Liverpool don’t make a move.
What’s Been Said?
Zieler has been linked to Liverpool in previous windows but with the soon to be appointment of Jorg Schmadtke, links have recently intensified from various sources. The excellent David Lynch has confirmed that the club are plotting a swoop for the German stopper this summer and with the goalkeeping situation as it is, the 34 year old is high on the list of targets. BILD had also recently referenced the Koln native’s close relationship with Schmadtke as a swaying factor in any potential move for the player.
What Does He Bring?
A wealth of experience from both the Bundesliga and the Premier League to start with. The Hannover keeper does have 11 caps to his name (although his last one was in 2011) and joined Manchester United’s youth academy in 2005, before a spell at Leicester in recent years. Zieler wouldn’t count as home-grown which will be an issue for the Reds due to the likely departures of Milner, Phillips and Oxlade-Chamberlain. Whilst Hannover are mid-table in 2.Bundesliga, he does have eight clean sheets from his 31 appearances. Seen as a strong shot-stopper and experienced head, a move for Zieler seems a shrewd one.
Stats and Info
Contract-wise, the key update from Lynch was that the former Viktoria K JGD youth product has triggered a one-year performance extension in his contract and hence won’t be a free transfer this summer. Zieler has been an ever present for his team this campaign and a save % of 74.4 in the 2.Bundesliga is decent for a potential back-up keeper. Salary Sport estimate his salary to be approximately £15,000 per week, which should be no problem for Liverpool to easily improve upon with a short-team deal.
Price Tag and Realistic
With a one year extension in place, it’s likely that a nominal fee would be needed to secure the German’s services and it’s a wise and sensible move across the board. Liverpool secure an experienced player with top level experience in the process. A back-up keeper is likely to be needed if as expected Kelleher and Adrian do depart and Zieler fits the bill. This isn’t guaranteed but the smart money says you wouldn’t bet against him arriving at Anfield this summer.
