Spain and Brentford goalkeeper David Raya has claimed that he’s actually always been a Liverpool fan.
Speaking to La Vanguardia ahead of Spain’s fixtures this week, Raya was asked whether he supports Real Madrid.
“It’s not true. I’ve been following the Premier League since I was a kid and I like Liverpool and Arsenal. I see La Liga but without colours,” said the 27-year-old.
Interesting. It seems as though Rafa Benitez’s Spanish revolution at Anfield in the early 2000s did have an impact in his homeland after all. Viva La Roja!
Raya a possible option for Liverpool
Raya’s comments could be worth harking back to once this summer’s transfer market rolls around. Liverpool are likely to be in the market for a goalkeeper.
At the very least, it looks as though third-choice stopper Adrian will leave having seen out the last of his contract. But it could also transpire that Liverpool need a new back-up to Alisson Becker.
The Reds may be forced to confront the reality that Caoimhin Kelleher is likely to want to be a No.1 somewhere. The Irishman has the quality to do it and has already hinted that he’s assessing his future options.
After this season he’ll be going on twenty-five. With no sign of a starting berth at Liverpool, he may push to move on.
In that scenario, perhaps Raya would be the man to go for. Back in October last year, after Liverpool drew 3-3 with Brentford, Jurgen Klopp was obviously impressed with the ‘keeper.
“Their goalie should have number 10 on his shirt with the balls that he played,” Klopp said via BBC Sport.
“For a coach of his calibre to say that is praise. That day from a pass of mine a goal to Liverpool was born,” responds Raya.
So, Klopp is clearly a fan. As we know with Jurgen, when he sees a player he likes, he isn’t afraid to pursue them for his own team. As a Spain international and No.1 for his club, Raya may not come cheap. But he’d obviously be up for the move and with his contract ending in 2024, maybe a deal could be done.
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