Liverpool have reportedly set their sights on Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak over a potential move in the coming summer transfer window.
According to a report by Spanish publication AS, Liverpool have turned their attention towards Atletico Madrid to solve their goalkeeping woes. The Reds have identified Jan Oblak as the ideal man to be the number one at Anfield, and are plotting a summer move to land the Slovenian shot stopper.
Oblak joined Atletico Madrid from Benfica in the summer of 2014, and he has since gone on to establish himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. One of the first names on the team sheet under Diego Simeone, the Slovenia international is one of the toughest customers in the game, letting little past him.
And while Atletico Madrid have had a rough time over the last few seasons, Oblak has remained extremely consistent. This season, Oblak has conceded just 12 goals in 25 appearances, keeping 15 clean sheets in the process, and it is hardly surprising that the 25-year-old is one of the hottest properties in the game at the present moment.
Oblak has previously been linked with the who’s who of world football, and the latest club in their pursuit are Liverpool, who visibly have an urgent need to sign a top goalkeeper to aid their transformation into genuine Premier League title contenders.
Jan Oblak has kept 12 clean sheets in 19 games in #LaLigaSantander 17/18! ✋??? pic.twitter.com/GPuEBMsg2M
— LaLiga (@LaLigaEN) January 15, 2018
The Reds addressed their defensive frailties by signing Virgil van Dijk in a world record deal for a defender. But, there are still some holes that need to be plugged before Liverpool can challenge on all front on a consistent basis.
The position between the sticks is an apparent Achilles heel in Jurgen Klopp’s squad, with neither Simon Mignolet nor Loris Karius managing to look the part for a club the stature of Liverpool. A goalkeeper like Oblak though, could help the Merseyside club go a long way by adding some much needed steel between the sticks.
Liverpool have been linked with several goalkeepers in recent weeks, which suggests Klopp’s eagerness to continue the development of his side. And Oblak is arguably the biggest name that has been linked with the Reds.
But, Liverpool could face an uphill task in their pursuit of the Slovenian goalkeeper, with Atletico Madrid trying to tie him down to a new contract, which would include a €200 million release clause. Should Oblak renew terms with Los Rojiblancos, the Premier League side might be in a soup, considering the enormous buyout clause.
But, having received a major windfall by selling Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona, they might just be open to the idea of spending €200 million to sign Oblak, if it comes to that, and it remains to be seen if a move sees the light of the day.
