34-year-old is high on Liverpool’s list of summer targets, he’s already worked with Jorg Schmadtke

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Liverpool have placed Hannover 96 goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler towards the top of their summer shortlist.

The Reds are set to search for some new ‘keepers in the coming months, with doubt over the futures of both Adrian and Caoimhin Kelleher. While the former is out of contract, the latter looks ready to push for a starting spot elsewhere.

As a result, Jurgen Klopp could even need to add two new goalies to serve as back-up to Alisson Becker. With that in mind, Bild report that veteran German stopper Zieler is ‘high up’ on Liverpool’s list of options.

It’s claimed that a move to Anfield would be ‘financially appealing’ for the 34-year-old, who has previously worked under the Reds’ incoming sporting director Jorg Schmadtke. Schmadtke was the boss at Hannover when Zieler was signed from Manchester United back in 2010. With the 59-year-old now seemingly on the verge of joining Liverpool, his old charge could follow him once again.

Zieler signed a contract extension for an extra year at Hannover back in March. However, the World Cup winner is said to have been disappointed not to have earned a longer extension. His current deal will expire in 2024.

Liverpool set to target new ‘keepers

Some Liverpool fans are likely to feel short-changed by this transfer news. Bringing in a back-up goalkeeper will hardly be the most glamourous move the Reds make this summer. Despite that, it looks likely to be a hole that Jurgen Klopp badly needs to fill.

Kelleher is now reportedly attracting Premier League interest. The Irishman has been as good-a No.2 as Liverpool have had in years, but they shouldn’t stand in his way if a good offer arrives.

As for Adrian, there may be some sense in keeping him around for another year, but it doesn’t look as though that will happen. Consequently, Liverpool have some work to do.

With Alisson unquestionably the first choice, it’s a tricky position for Klopp to fill. Whoever comes in will likely play no more than 10 or 12 games all season. Although, it’s worth pointing out that Jurgen could rotate Ali out if Liverpool do end up in the Europa League in 2023/24.

Whether the manager decides to do that or not could depend on the quality of those brought in. In Zieler’s case, he does have some pedigree. Having been a Bundesliga ‘keeper of decent repute, he was the third-choice for Germany’s successful World Cup campaign in 2014.

On the flip-side of that, he’s also had failed spells in England at United, and also as back-up to Kasper Schmeichel at Leicester City. If he’s Adrian’s replacement, fair enough, but you feel Liverpool may need a little more to fill Kelleher’s gloves.