A lot of Liverpool fans have been left unhappy this week, with reports in the Daily Mail suggesting that a deal to sign Bolton Wanderers goalkeeper Adam Bogdan is close to going through.
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Despite the prospect of us signing a decent keeper on a free transfer, many supporters have questioned whether the Hungarian is an upgrade on former number two Brad Jones. They’ve also pointed out our need to sign a player capable of competing with Simon Mignolet for the number one role, rather than simply sitting on the bench.
With that in mind, we’ve picked five candidates who might have been better received on Merseyside. Take a look and let us know which of these players you would like to have seen us go for?
5) Artur Boruc (Southampton, now AFC Bournemouth)
The Polish international wasn’t needed at Southampton, where Fraser Forster has established himself as first choice. However, he was integral to the Cherries promotion campaign this year, and might have been able to do better than returning to the club again on a permanent basis. He might be 35 now but he has plenty of experience playing at the top level – having also featured for the likes of Celtic and Fiorentina – and might have done well.
4) Marco Sportiello (Atalanta)
The 23-year-old would be a real name for the future – someone that could eventually surpass Mignolet for the number one spot. He established himself as Atalanta’s number one earlier this season and played an important part in them narrowly avoiding relegation from the Italian top flight – finishing 17th. He’s one of a whole host of talented young Italian goalkeepers vying to succeed Gianluigi Buffon, along with Mattia Perin and Simone Scuffet.
3) Rui Patricio (Sporting Lisbon)
The Portuguese international has been with Lisbon for his entire professional career, playing over 300 times in all competitions. He played a prominent role in Sporting’s short-lived Champions League campaign last season, performing brilliantly during both games against Premier League champions Chelsea and earning special praise from Blues boss Jose Mourinho. He said: “Games like this can end up 4-0 or 5-0, but it ended up 1-0.”
2) Keylor Navas (Real Madrid)
If the rumours linking Manchester United’s David de Gea with a move to the Spanish capital are to be believed, then the Costa Rica international could soon find himself as third choice goalkeeper, with veteran Iker Casillas likely to stay and fight for his place (via the Daily Mail). The 28-year-old was one of the stars of last summer’s World Cup, inspiring his team to the last eight of the competition, and appears to be undervalued in Spain.
1) Petr Cech (Chelsea)
The veteran stopper is unlikely to put up with another season of playing second fiddle to Thibaut Courtois. The Czech international has played more than 450 games for the Blues and more than 100 for his country. He’s won 15 major honours, including four Premier League titles and the Champions League, and remains one of the highest rated stoppers in world football. His next destination remains a mystery but it seems extraordinary that we wouldn’t have put in a bid if he’s available… Cech would replace Mignolet between the sticks, but due to his world-class pedigree, we think that’s ok.
