Former Liverpool goalkeeper Adrian is awaiting a new chapter after five years at Anfield.
Adrian was a slightly divisive figure amongst the fanbase during his time with the Reds.
Although the Spaniard was clearly a well loved member of the Liverpool squad and played his part in a successful half-decade at Anfield, there was always a feeling that he was never quite up to scratch.
Relegated to third choice during the past three seasons, it felt that the time was right for Adrian to leave. After securing an offer from hometown club Real Betis that’s exactly what the 37-year-old has done.
Despite his exit feeling timely, though, Adrian was offered the chance to extend his contract into a sixth year at Liverpool and kick-off the Arne Slot era as third-choice goalkeeper.
Adrian explains Liverpool rejection
While there are those who will perhaps never accept Adrian as a Liverpool goalie, we’re of the opinion that he more than played his part for the club.
As well as ably stepping in during Alisson Becker’s injury in the title-winning 2019/20 campaign, Adrian also kept goal as Liverpool won both the Super Cup and Community Shield.
Moreover, he was clearly a big voice around the AXA Training Centre and was by all accounts a huge help to the likes of Alisson and Caoimhin Kelleher during sessions.
As a third-choice, Liverpool will perhaps struggle to replace his experience and leadership.
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The Reds were obviously of the same viewpoint and made Adrian an offer to stay for another season.
But, speaking to Diario de Sevilla after being officially unveiled back at Betis, the former West Ham ‘keeper says he told Liverpool he simply couldn’t resist a return to the club where he started his career.
After rejecting the Reds’ offer, Adrian says he then explained the reasons why.
“They have understood that it was a personal decision and from the heart,” he says. “It was the moment [to return home] and I was clear about it.”
Who will replace Adrian?
Liverpool could still see some enormous change in their goalkeeping department this summer. Along with Adrian, head of goalkeeping John Achterberg has gone, as has his assistant, Jack Robinson.
Furthermore, it looks as though Kelleher could be sold in the near future, too.
Fabian Otte has come in to replace Achterberg, with Kelleher still on the books for now. But if both the Irishman and Adrian end up going then their two spots in the squad will need to be filled.
For now, 23-year-old academy ‘keeper Vitezslav Jaros looks likely to take one of the spots. Whether Jaros is good enough for second-choice remains to be seen, though, while playing third-fiddle would arguably stunt the Czech’s development.
So, while they’ll wish Adrian well in this new stage of his career, it’s clear that in an ideal world Liverpool would still have their former No.13 still on the books.
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