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How Should Liverpool Shake up the Goalkeeping Stable

If there is one definite when considering the intentions of the new Liverpool CEO, Michael Edwards, it is that he believes that a squad should be built in his vision and his alone. After initially departing the Merseyside giants in 2022, it became clear that his and Jürgen Klopp’s relationship was no longer aligned, as the loyal German won against the ambitious Sporting Director. A split was inevitable, and in the ensuing years, the squad became old and tired as recruitment fell away somewhat. The immediate Edwards replacement was designed to offer consistency, as one of his previous colleagues, Julian Ward, became the new head of football. Unfortunately, his tenure was cut short as working with Klopp became untenable in the first year despite the absolute joy of attaining the job he craved. Eventually, an interim Director of Football was brought in to work for the Liverpool manager and carry out his bidding, with Jörg Schmadtke being coaxed after (intermittently) from his retirement retreat in Ibiza. The wishes and data of the recruitment department were once again swept aside as the eye test and desires of a powerful manager (and his assistants) took control of incomings at the club. Though the long-awaited regeneration of last summer was in part successful, it has always seemed rushed and designed away from the model which had previously brought so much glory. With the upcoming appointment of Arne Slot as the Reds Head Coach, there will now be a clear indication of who undertakes which roles, with Michael Edwards coordinating all footballing matters.

Current Squad Dynamics

The current squad has tremendous pieces that offer a brilliant opportunity to the new members of the Anfield hierarchy. However, it is still an assembled group that will not be to the absolute liking of the new regime. The following two games could now be about proving the worth of some players as their futures become unclear. Over the next two weeks and until the close of this campaign, I will be listing and commenting on the Liverpool squad, with my subsequent verdict on what could come next. First up comes the goalkeeping fraternity, which may see a near-complete overhaul. John Achterberg, the long-serving 52-year-old goalkeeping coach, will depart his post alongside the rest of the current staff in a couple of weeks. His replacement has yet to be named, though it does signal a significant change in and around the world’s mightiest stopper.

Alisson Becker 
Age – 31
Contract Expiry – 30th June 2027
Transfermarkt Value – €32m
The former Roma man will play a crucial part in the next phase of this historic club as a legend whose signing would have been championed by Edwards and the recruitment team. The entire gloved infrastructure around him may alter. However, it will be rebuilt to serve and support this man throughout his prime years.
Verdict – Keep

Caoimhín Kelleher
Age – 25
Contract Expiry – 30th June 2026
Transfermarkt Value – €18m
Despite having had an excellent 2023/24 season, the potential fee the Reds could attain will prove too desirable. His sale would thereby allow either Vitezslav Jaros or Marcelo Pitaluga the chance to stake their back-up claims. A fee north of this value would be likely as the Irish international prepares to take ownership of his number-one shirt away from Anfield.
Verdict – Sale

Adrián
Age – 37
Contract Expiry – 30th June 2026
Transfermarkt Value – €600k
Cody Gakpo recently noted the Spaniard as the father of the group, which has probably enabled him to stay longer than his diminished abilities allowed. Loyalty and goodwill may well leave the halls of the Axa Training Centre this month, with the former West Ham stopper following suit.
Verdict – Released

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Potential Replacements

In terms of potential replacements, a handful of names have been bandied about of late. Anthony Patterson and Filip Jörgensen have been mentioned as young future stars, whereas a more senior keeper may be taken on to work behind those already under contract. What is clear is that change is coming, and in spite of the comfortable environment that has developed, a more ruthless and effective approach will now be undertaken, and I, for one, cannot wait.

Steven Smith

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