Liverpool have reportedly identified Real Madrid number one Keylor Navas as an alternative to Alisson as their search for a goalkeeper intensifies.
According to a report by Daily Mirror, Liverpool are keeping a contingency plan in place if their pursuit of Alisson runs into troubled waters. The Reds have set their sights on Keylor Navas, and are lining up a summer bid for the Real Madrid goalkeeper.
Navas joined Real Madrid after a couple of brilliant campaigns – an impressive domestic season with Levante followed by an even more stirring campaign in the 2014 FIFA World Cup with Costa Rica. Since then, he has cemented his place among the best goalkeepers in the world, although his stint at the Bernabeu hasn’t been without its ups and downs.
Over the last 18 months or so, his position in Real Madrid has become increasingly uncertain, with the club reportedly in search of a goalkeeper, with David De Gea a long-term target. Navas’ personal form hasn’t been the best either, having been prone to errors, keeping just 7 clean sheets in 27 appearances this season.
The 31-year-old, though, still remains a highly regarded goalkeeper, which suggests why Liverpool have identified him as a possible addition to their squad in the coming summer transfer window.
The Reds have been perennially linked with several shot stoppers in recent times owing to the inconsistencies of Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius. While Karius has shown signs of improvement of late, establishing himself as the true Liverpool number one, Mignolet’s time at Anfield seems to be up.
With Jurgen Klopp not placing much faith in Danny Ward, recruiting a top goalkeeper has become a necessity for Liverpool, regardless of Karius’ form. Alisson is reportedly their priority target, but Real Madrid – and some other clubs – are also interested in the Brazilian.
To complicate matters further, Alisson has recently reaffirmed his commitment to AS Roma, which is why Liverpool are also keeping tabs on possible alternate options. Navas has, thus, emerged as a viable target, who could be a short-term solution in goal for the Merseyside club.
The Costa Rican would bring years of quality experience to Anfield, which would undoubtedly also aid Karius’ progress towards becoming a world-class goalkeeper. He is likely to be a relatively unchallenged target as well, making him an attractive prospect for Liverpool.
It now remains to be seen if Liverpool completely shift their attention from Alisson to Navas, with a summer bid being lined up for the latter. What seems highly likely is that the Costa Rican could be on his way out of the Bernabeu once the summer transfer window opens.
