Liverpool could lose one of their experienced players in the summer, as backup goalkeeper Adrian has been linked with a return to Real Betis.
The 33-year-old Spaniard joined the club from West Ham United last summer, and has played a key part in the Reds’ incredible run of wins.
As per Estadio Deportivo, his former club, Real Betis, are keen on bringing him to the club to compete with their No. 1 Joel Robles, who previously played for Everton.
Adrian began his career at Betis, having joined the youth academy way back in 1998, progressing through the C and B teams to the senior team. The experienced keeper left Betis in 2013 and joined West Ham United, where he made 150 appearances for the club.
Adrian, who was brought in as a backup to Alisson at Liverpool, has played 15 times in all competitions following the Brazilian’s injury at the start of the season.
What Should Liverpool do with Adrian?
Adrian is on a two-year deal at Liverpool which expires in 2021, and he has perhaps played more than he expected to play this season for Liverpool. The Spaniard has done well when called upon by Jurgen Klopp for Liverpool.
He helped Liverpool lift the UEFA Super Cup against Chelsea when he made a vital save in the penalty shootout, and then played several games in the league when Alisson was unavailable.
Adrian has played two games for Liverpool in the FA Cup recently, but hasn’t featured in the league since the first week of December.
While he may not be one of Liverpool’s most important player this season, Adrian stepped up when mattered, using his years of experience to help Liverpool.
He has been a good deputy for Alisson and Liverpool must do everything to keep him at the club. The Reds don’t have a quality replacement for Alisson apart from Adrian, if the Brazilian is unavailable for them as it remains to be seen what the club intend to do with Loris Karius.
With the long list of fixtures that a top-performing team like Liverpool will have, it’s essential for them to have a ‘keeper of the quality of Adrian as back-up to give Klopp the option of rotating his players.
Adrian’s Premier League experience, as well as his good shot-stopping ability, is needed at Liverpool, and he must remain at the club next season as well.