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Alisson could make Liverpool genuine contenders for the Premier League title
The goalkeeping department has been a major setback for Liverpool since the departure of Pepe Reina. If Brendan Rodgers had retained Reina rather than loaning him out to Napoli, the Reds could've probably won the Premier League title.
If Jurgen Klopp had brought in an experienced reinforcement between the sticks, the Liverpool manager could've won at least one trophy by now.
It has been the final hurdle which the Reds have not been able to get past under the 51-year-old manager. Liverpool often put themselves in tough situations because neither of their goalkeepers - Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius have the ability to perform under pressure situations.
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Their individual errors in the League Cup, UEFA Europa League, and UEFA Champions League finals have made the Anfield faithful demand a top-class goalkeeper. Simon Mignolet seems certain to leave this summer, while Loris Karius is expected to stay put beyond this summer.
David de Gea, Thibaut Courtois, Ederson and Hugo Lloris are the goalkeepers of Liverpool's competitors. Arsenal manager Unai Emery has wasted no time by pursuing a deal for Bernd Leno from Bayer Leverkusen. Liverpool have no choice but to get it right this summer if they are to stake a claim for the title in the upcoming season.
Jan Oblak is an option to ponder, but the Slovenian is priced out by Atletico Madrid. On that note, let's look at 5 goalkeepers who are linked with Liverpool:
#5 Thomas Strakosha (Lazio)
Thomas Strakosha caught the eyes of several scouts across Europe by having a breakthrough season with Lazio. Following the appointment of Simeone Inzaghi, the Albanian has been used excessively as an out-and-out No.1. He had some moments to cherish and played a huge role in Lazio's UEFA Europa League finish.
The 23-year-old has kept 17 clean sheets in 53 games across all competitions last season. The Lazio goalkeeper has also made 92 saves in the Serie A, making 2.24 saves per goal. He has conceded 43 goals in the Italian top division league this season, but that was down to the open football that Lazio play.
He might not exactly be what Liverpool need, but both Loris Karius and Strakosha can battle each other for the number one spot which might bring the best out of both the goalkeepers.
According to The Daily Express, Lazio are already preparing for a replacement for Strakosha given the Reds' intense interest.
#4 Jasper Cillessen (Barcelona)
Once highly regarded as Europe's highly talented goalkeeper, Jasper Cillessen made a move to Barcelona only to serve as a deputy to Marc-Andre ter Stegen. The Dutchman has made 21 appearances from two seasons for the Catalonian club and is open to making a switch elsewhere.
As per a report from The Mirror, In a recent interview, the former Ajax star said,
"Arsenal and Liverpool aren’t bad clubs but if Barcelona say, ‘We love you,’ then I’ll accept their decision and continue there. I’ll wait until we return on July 16 to see what they’ve decided. I don’t know anything."
Despite falling down the pecking order at the club, Cillessen is still the first choice for his country. In his last season at Ajax, the goalkeeper kept 18 clean sheets from 33 games, conceding at a rate of 0.64 per game. He came to his side's rescue by making 40 saves. The Dutchman also obliterated aerial threats by punching the ball away 12 times.
The NEC academy graduate is an all-round keeper and has the goods to deliver in big stages which will come handy for Jurgen Klopp. Jasper Cillessen should be on Klopp's radar should they fail to land any of their top targets.
#3 Jack Butland (Stoke City)
Stoke City goalkeeper Jack Butland has been linked with Liverpool over the past few months. According to reports from Joe, Liverpool are confident of acquiring the Englishman this summer.
Despite Stoke City's lousy defence last season, Butland struggled to replicate his old form following an ankle injury which kept him out for more than one year. The goalkeeper always looked busy by making more than 100 saves in the league alone. With saves of 1.91 per goal, Butland was able to keep only 6 clean sheets throughout the season.
During the summer of 2013, Butland joined Stoke City rejecting Liverpool for proper game time. He had loan spells at Barnsley, Leeds and Derby before making his first appearance for the Potters. However, after 5 years, the shot-stopper might make a move to the red part of Merseyside.
If Liverpool are ready to splash 30 million or more on a goalkeeper, Jack Butland should be considered as one of the options, but he should not be the priority. Although, there is a possibility of resurgence for the Stoke City goalkeeper should he decide to join the Reds this summer.
#2 Yann Sommer (Borussia Mönchengladbach)
News reports have emerged, claiming that Yann Sommer is a target for Liverpool and the Switzerland shot-stopper is playing the World Cup to impress the scouts of the English club according to the reliable German paper Bild.
The Swiss star started his career at Basel, before making a move to Borussia Monchengladbach during the summer of 2014. He has gone on to make 115 appearances for the German club, keeping 42 clean sheets in the process.
The 29-year-old has conceded 37 goals last season, with his saves-per-goal stat standing out at 1.64. He is capable of eliminating aerial threats with 12 punches and 81 catches last campaign.
He is an all-rounder possessing all qualities required in a goalkeeper. He is a consistent performer by proving himself at Basel, Borussia Monchengladbach and Switzerland over the last eight years.
Jurgen Klopp is in the hunt of an experienced goalkeeper after Karius made those two howlers in the UEFA Champions League final.
However, the entire conundrum among the Liverpool fans is whether Yann Sommer will be an upgrade to Loris Karius. But, the former Basel shot-stopper can help Karius with his experience and create a tussle for the number one spot between the sticks.
#1 Alisson Becker (Roma)
Alisson Becker heads Liverpool's wishlist this summer. However, the Reds will need to shrug off UEFA Champions League winners Real Madrid as the heavyweights battle for his signature.
There have been contradicting reports everywhere, but the Brazilian star could be on his way to Liverpool as reports from The Daily Star claim that Liverpool could make a second offer as Real Madrid have allegedly cooled their interest in the shot-stopper.
Liverpool will need to shell out more than 70 million to land the Roma Star. The former Internacional goalkeeper put in some stellar performances for the Rome side, with the game against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League Round of 16 standing out the most during his joyous stay at Roma.
The Brazilian has 20 clean sheets from 45 appearances this season, conceding less than one goal per game. He is an excellent shot-stopper with 3.40 saves per goal and has made 134 saves last season alone which is the best in Europe. These are staggering numbers for a goalkeeper.
Alisson Becker's traits as a sweeper keeper will match Jurgen Klopp's philosophy. If Liverpool can manage to lure Alisson to Anfield, the Reds will certainly be considered serious title challengers next season.
