Liverpool academy star Armin Pecsi is set to join Milos Kerkez and Dominik Szoboszlai in the Hungary national team this summer.
Hungary missed out on the World Cup after losing to the Republic of Ireland in the final match of qualifying, but it is not just players going to the tournament who are set for international action in June.
And for the very first time, Pecsi will be involved at senior level. That is a major step for the 21-year-old, but it could also have wider implications for Liverpool as they consider how to reshape their goalkeeping department this summer.
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Armin Pecsi could play himself into Liverpool’s sub-goalkeeper role in the coming seasons
Pecsi is progressing well.
A first senior international call-up at 21 is a clear sign that Hungary are taking his development seriously, and he now could have the chance to impress in fixtures against Finland and Kazakhstan in June.
Arne Slot has already spoken highly of Pecsi, describing him as a ‘very talented’ goalkeeper and making it clear that Liverpool have faith in his long-term potential.
That faith could soon be tested.
Alisson Becker’s Liverpool future has become a major talking point, with the Brazilian understood to want a move away. The Reds are not expected to stand in his way if their valuation is met.
If he does leave, Liverpool would be left with Giorgi Mamardashvili and Freddie Woodman as their senior goalkeeping options.
Woodman is 29 and has shown this season that he can operate as a number two. That means Liverpool may not feel an urgent need to sign another goalkeeper to replace Alisson. That also depends on their view of Mamardashvili.
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Much may depend on how Pecsi performs between now and the start of next season. A strong pre-season would help. So would a good showing with Hungary if he gets minutes at the start of June.
Impress there, and Liverpool may feel more confident about sticking with the current options, letting Pecsi grow into the number two role over the next season or two, and allocating the funds they were keeping for a goalkeeper elsewhere.
He could be the next Caoimhin Kelleher.
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