Reported former Liverpool target Thomas Strakosha looks likely to be available on a free transfer this summer.
That’s according to Calciomercato who are claiming that the Lazio goalkeeper will reject any attempts to sign him to a new deal. Strakosha is said to have offers from the Premier League and the Bundesliga.
This could provide an interesting opportunity for Liverpool.
The Reds were previously cited as being interested in bringing the Albanian stopper to Anfield, again from Calciomercato. At the time he would reportedly have cost Liverpool close to £25m.
That was in the summer of 2018. As it was, Liverpool went big to sign Alisson Becker from city rivals Roma, what a decision that proved to be.
No one is suggesting that Liverpool replace the big Brazilian between the sticks. Over the last three-and-a-half years he has shown himself to be one of the very best ‘keepers in the world.
But Caoimhin Kelleher has successfully put himself in the shop window this season. If the Irishman ends up being tempted away from the club, there could be an opening as Liverpool’s back-up goalkeeper.
Klopp wants to keep Kelleher
There’s no suggestion that Liverpool are willing to let Kelleher go. In fact, after the Carabao Cup final, Jurgen Klopp stated the 23-year-old was absolutely not for sale.
“There’s absolutely no intention to sell him or something like that or give him a loan. Not at all,” said Klopp via The Mirror.
But that also depends on the plans that Kelleher has for his future. If he feels that he needs to move in order to become a first-choice goalkeeper, which he surely has the quality to do, Liverpool shouldn’t stand in his way.
It could be mutually beneficial. Kelleher’s stock will surely never be as high as it is currently and Liverpool could secure a good fee for him.
If they could then bring in a replacement for the quality of Strakosha, for free no less, that could be excellent business from The Reds.
Who is Thomas Strakosha
Strakosha is older than Kelleher – he’ll turn 27 later this week. But that still makes him relatively young for goalkeeper.
Although he was Lazio’s undisputed number one for three seasons, he lost his place to former Liverpool man Pepe Reina last year. That could be a positive for Liverpool, as he is used to having to play second fiddle.
Strakosha started the campaign still behind the veteran Spaniard. However, he has now been reinstated as the number one for Maurizio Sarri’s team.
The ‘keeper has made 198 appearances for Lazio since his debut as a 21-year-old. He also has 18 caps for Albania. He has been labelled ‘extraordinary’ by former Lazio youth coach Alberto Bollini via laziopress.it.
To get that kind of experience and quality for nothing, would be a coup for Liverpool.
Of course, the preference is that Kelleher stays and is happy with his number two role.
But if Liverpool can benefit the Irishman’s future whilst also receiving a healthy sum, Strakosha’s situation means that now is the time to do it.
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