Jurgen Klopp continued his rebuilding at Anfield as he roped in his second goalkeeping signing of the season in ex-Arsenal stopper Alex Manninger.
After signing Loris Karius from German side Mainz, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp added another goalkeeper to his growing roster at Anfield. Former Arsenal and Juventus goalkeeper Alex Manninger has joined the Reds on a one-year deal. In other Liverpool related news, Brazilian midfielder Lucas looks all set to be shown the door at Anfield.
Keeper Alex Manninger joins Liverpool on a one-year contract
As per the club’s official website, Liverpool have completed the signing of former Arsenal and Juventus goalkeeper Alex Manninger. The 39-year old has moved to Anfield on a short-term contract, and would be a vital addition to Jurgen Klopp’s roster.
Manninger would bring a lot of international experience to the table for the Reds, as he has tallied 34 appearances for the Austrian national side (via BBC). The midfielder was released by German side FC Augsburg in early June, and was understood to be training with Liverpool ever since. At Anfield, the experienced keeper would be third in the pecking order behind Simon Mignolet and new signing Loris Karius.
Speaking to the club regarding his move, the Austrian said:
“When Liverpool was on the phone, it was a great pleasure for me to take it on because it gives me what I was looking for. This is the moment I was waiting for until the end.
“Time says it’s not possible to play 50 games a year. But if I’m called up, I’m definitely there for games, I will play. And I’ll definitely be in the changing room every game, giving my input; I hope, even if it’s only a couple of per cent, it will do the rest.”
Long-serving midfielder Lucas Leiva is subject to transfer interest by Galatasaray
As reported by the Metro, Turkish giants Galatasaray have emerged as suitors for wantaway Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva. It is understood that the club have confirmed their interest in the player, and are ready to pay a fee of £2.5 million for the Brazilian. Lucas would also be joining former teammate Martin Skrtel in the Turkish league.
Skrtel completed a £5 million move to Fenerbache earlier this summer and rival Turkish club Galatasaray are now keen to raid Liverpool, with club director Levent Nazifoglu admitting they are interested in a deal.
“One of the players we are interested in is Leiva, but there are other alternatives,” Nazifoglu told GSTV.
Given the array of midfielders present at Anfield currently, Lucas would struggle for regular playing time. So, a move to Turkey is in the best interests of the club as well as the player.
