Liverpool's goalkeeping department is set for its first shake-up since 2019 , a position that has historically been problematic for the Reds. Alisson Becker and Pepe Reina have been reliable long-term number ones, with Caoimhin Kelleher proving to be an able deputy.
However, beyond this trio, things have been less stable. Sander Westerveld, Jerzy Dudek, Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius have all had unconvincing stints as first-choice keepers, while a host of back-ups have come and gone. Brad Friedel, Pegguy Arphexad, Chris Kirkland, Patrice Luzi, Scott Carson, Diego Cavalieri, Brad Jones, Doni and others have all had brief spells at Anfield .
Adrian, despite his critics, was a well-liked and respected member of the squad for five years, remaining even after being overtaken by Kelleher. He has now been replaced by Czech international Vitezslav Jaros , a Liverpool academy product who has previously impressed on loan.
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With speculation surrounding Kelleher's future and Alisson's position as first-choice keeper secure, there could be further changes this summer. However, replacing the Republic of Ireland international would be a daunting task, but Liverpool's goalkeeping situation is much healthier than in previous years when frequent changes were the norm.
John Achterberg, who joined Liverpool as an academy goalkeeping coach in 2009 and served as first-team goalkeeping coach for 13 years, has been instrumental in stabilizing the club behind the scenes. His departure this summer, alongside Jurgen Klopp , leaves a department that is significantly stronger than when he first arrived.
His replacement, Fabian Otte , along with Brazil World Cup winner Claudio Taffarel and Fenway Sports Group's new head of global goalkeeping, Hans Leitert, is a testament to Liverpool's recognition of the importance of investing in their goalkeeping department.
The signing of Alisson from AS Roma in the summer of 2018 for a then world-record $83m (£65m/€76m) fee underscored this shift in approach. Before Alisson, the most Liverpool had spent on a goalkeeper was $11.5m (£9.0m/€10.6m) for Simon Mignolet in 2013.
Achterberg has disclosed four goalkeepers he recommended Liverpool sign during his early years at the club, but these moves did not materialize until after Klopp's arrival and the subsequent change in the club's stance.
The Dutch coach opened up on the Aldo Meets Podcast , saying: "When Roy (Hodgson) was looking for a number two goalie, I said we need to take Thomas Sorensen," adding that he valued Sorensen as "he was an experienced Danish international. That was the level I was looking at."
"And obviously Mike Kelly decided Brad Jones, and that's how it went. From that moment I was looking non-stop (at goalkeepers). I enjoyed it as well. You could say what you wanted."
He also revealed his top choice at the time was a $20m (£15m/€18m) shot-stopper who went on to win the World Cup with Germany : "Actually, my first goalie I said to (Damien) Comolli was (Manuel) Neuer at Schalke," Achterberg revealed. "I said he would be good for us, but then he said he's going to Bayern."
He didn't stop there, mentioning another star he had an eye on, "The second one I said (Samir) Handanovic who was at Udinese, and he said he doesn't like it. I watched him against Ireland, he's physical, he dealt well with it, a good shot stopper, and a good size. Then he went to Inter Milan."
The coach discussed the financial constraints they faced, stating, "I said these kind of things, but if there is no budget for it. That's the other side to it, because you always have to find a creative (solution), as a number two goalie, you have to find a free goalie because they don't want to buy a goalie. That's how we always tried to do it."
He emphasized the importance of planning ahead for transfers, advising: "Every time I was looking, who is out (of contract) this year, who is out next year as well. Looking to find out and then I'd tell them you need to try to get this one or that one. Because you need to line them up early enough that you want them if you want the free ones."
Achterberg revealed: "We tried Neto but we went too late. I told them early that Neto was at Fiorentina, playing in Europe and he would be free. I think we went in January out there, but then he had already signed for Juventus. We were too late really for that kind of thing."
Despite John Achterberg's advice to Liverpool back in 2010 regarding signing Thomas Sorensen, the goalkeeper stayed with Stoke City for another five seasons but ultimately lost his starting spot. Manuel Neuer and Samir Handanovic, who moved to Bayern Munich and Inter Milan in 2011 and 2012, are still turning out for their respective heavyweights.
After leaving Juventus on a free transfer, Neto switched to Valencia for $9.8m (£7.7m/€9.0m) in 2015, later sealing a massive $38m (£30m/€35m) move to Barcelona. His journey continued as he signed with AFC Bournemouth on a free transfer in 2022 after a three-year stint at Camp Nou primarily as the back-up to Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Liverpool.com says: There is lots of change happening in the goalkeeping department at the moment but as long as Alisson stays, things will be fine. Keeping Kelleher would be a huge boost for Arne Slot too.
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