Liverpool Goalkeeper Offered New Contract Despite Expressing Desire To Leave
Liverpool have released their retained list following the conclusion of the 2023-24 season, confirming that they have offered a new contract to one of their veteran goalkeepers.
With Alisson Becker firmly established as the number one and Caoimhin Kelleher proving himself as a capable backup, Adrian has served as Liverpool’s third-choice goalkeeper for several years.
Since joining in 2019, the 37-year-old has made just 26 appearances for the Reds, recording seven clean sheets. He did not feature in any competitive matches during the 2023-24 season.
Adrian’s last appearance for Liverpool was in the 2022 Community Shield victory over Manchester City. With his contract set to expire at the end of the month, the club faces the prospect of losing him.
The former West Ham United goalkeeper has expressed a desire to return to Spain, where he began his senior career with Real Betis before moving to the Premier League in 2013.
Adrian to remain at Anfield?
Despite his expressed desire to leave, Liverpool have included Adrian on their list of retained players, offering him a contract extension for the 2024-25 season. However, it remains uncertain whether he will accept the offer.
Last month, Liverpool announced that Thiago Alcantara and Joel Matip would be departing when their contracts expire, confirming their exits on May 17.
There was no update on Adrian’s future at that time, suggesting that Liverpool were negotiating extended terms with the experienced Spaniard despite his limited role and previous indications of wanting to leave.
Among the many academy graduates to depart, two had played for the senior team under Jurgen Klopp: Melkamu Frauendorf, who made one FA Cup and one EFL Cup appearance, and Polish winger Mateusz Musialowski, who debuted in the 2023-24 Europa League, coming off the bench in Liverpool’s 6-1 victory over Sparta Prague at Anfield.
Could Adrian’s contract offer boost Kelleher’s chances of a transfer?
While Adrian’s desire to return to Spanish football is well-known, his contract renewal offer could signify one of two things. Firstly, it may indicate that Arne Slot highly values Adrian’s experience and goalkeeping skills.
Alternatively, Liverpool could be making a last-ditch effort to retain Adrian in case Kelleher departs this summer. The Republic of Ireland international is eager for regular first-team football.
Kelleher has demonstrated his capabilities as a reliable deputy for Alisson, especially during his extended run in the first XI while the Brazilian was injured in the 2023-24 season.
However, after several seasons in a backup role, Kelleher is understandably seeking a starting position, whether at Anfield or another top-flight club.
A move to Celtic as Joe Hart’s successor has been widely speculated for Kelleher. Even if Adrian commits to another year, it would not be surprising to see Liverpool enter the transfer market for another goalkeeper.
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