Liverpool kicked off their season with a convincing 4-1 win over Norwich City, but there was one particular issue that will be a worry as their number 1 goalkeeper Alisson was injured in the game and had to be replaced by new signing Adrian.
Now, Liverpool may have found a short-term solution for the goalkeeping crisis at Anfield as the Reds have been linked with a move for former Fulham and Leeds United goalkeeper Andy Lonergan.
The 35-year-old ‘keeper was a part of Liverpool’s pre-season tour of America as manager Jurgen Klopp had very few ‘keepers to call upon.
Liverpool could offer Lonergan a short-term deal following the injury to Alisson, who could be out for 6-8 weeks, as revealed by the club’s official website.
Lonergan has played mostly in the Championship, beginning his career at Preston North End, featuring over 200 times for the club before playing for the likes of Leeds United, Bolton, and Wolverhampton Wanderers, to name a few sides. He last played for Middlesbrough and is currently a free agent.
Andy Lonergan – Much needed backup option
Liverpool’s other options in goal are Caoimhin Kelleher and Vitezslav Jaros – the former who is just returning to the team after breaking his wrist, while Jaros was also injured in pre-season.
Last year’s backup goalkeeper, Simon Mignolet, was sold to Belgian side Club Brugge by Liverpool in the summer transfer window, while Loris Karius is on loan at Besiktas and will only return next season.
Liverpool need to quickly sign another goalkeeper to provide backup to Adrian as the Merseyside club have several key games coming up, and can’t go into these games with just one fully fit keeper in the squad.
The Reds face Chelsea in the Super Cup final this week, and will also face Arsenal and Chelsea before the end of September. If Alisson is set to miss 6-8 weeks of football, he will most likely not feature in the games against both those London clubs.
Signing Lonergan would make for a good decision as his wages won’t be high, while he has also been in and around the squad during pre-season, and can gel with the squad easily and quickly.
