Fabrizio Romano confirms new Liverpool deal as Klopp identifies need to fill crucial gap

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Liverpool goalkeeper Adrian has signed a new contract which will see him remain at the club next season.

The Reds’ side is likely to appear very different next season to how it has this term. There are likely to be multiple comings and goings in the summer.

Coming through the door, Alexis Mac Allister seems a near certainty. While one outlet suggested the deal for the Brighton man was done not long ago, trusted journalist Andy Naylor poured cold water on that, stating there had been “no contact”.

But with Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi suggesting Mac Allister has played his “last game” and reports stating Liverpool interest is progressing, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Argentine was soon confirmed as a Reds player.

It would also not be a surprise if the Seagulls man wasn’t the only midfield player to join the club this summer. The need for reinforcements in the centre of the park is evident.

While the quality of that area has been questioned this season, it’s a necessity due to the confirmed departures of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita and James Milner.

Roberto Firmino has also played his last game for Liverpool and will leave on a free.

The Reds reportedly expect to receive offers for no 2 goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, too. Indeed, the Irishman has acquitted himself well when called upon and that’s seemingly piqued the interest of some sides hoping to offer him a starting berth.

Romano confirms Adrian new deal

Not having a competent backup goalkeeper could cause the Reds problems. They currently have Adrian to call upon, but his deal is due to run out this summer.

However, recent reports stated Liverpool were in talks over extending that deal.

Transfer insider Romano has since confirmed Adrian will stay at Anfield next season. He has stated the goalkeeper has signed his new deal, which will be ‘unveiled soon’.

If Kelleher is to leave, Liverpool will at least have a useful backup to Alisson.

While Adrian hasn’t played all season, other than the Community Shield final, he has done a job for the Reds when needed in the past, and was a good asset for West Ham for years before that.

New deal points to Kelleher departure

While it’s not certain Kelleher will leave, it seems fair to suggest Liverpool might have only renewed Adrian’s deal because they know he will.

While it could be a coincidence, talks over his new deal seem to have only started at the same sort of time as reports of interest in Kelleher.

As such, Klopp might be wary that the Irishman is going to leave, and wants to ensure there is a goalkeeper in place behind Alisson when that happens.

Indeed, buying a goalkeeper only to sit on the bench may be a waste of money, particularly if Liverpool are looking to spend big to improve the squad this summer. As such, Adrian’s renewal may have made the most sense for the club at this time.

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