Liverpool could be pondering a move for Gianluigi Buffon after the veteran leaves Juventus, as he still might want to continue playing at the highest level.
Liverpool could be an option for Gianluigi Buffon once he leaves Juventus. The Mirror reports that Jurgen Klopp might be looking to bring a new goalkeeper this summer, and Buffon could become an option. The World Cup winner will leave Juventus after 17 high profile years in between the sticks.
Jurgen Klopp is looking to add another goalkeeper in the mix and provide more competition to Loris Karius. Karius has been excellent since overtaking Simon Mignolet as Liverpool’s No.1. Klopp feels more competition for places could be beneficial for the German and other keepers.
Gigi Buffon is expected to continue wanting to play at the highest level, and could only be leaving Juventus for another club. In another perspective, he might still want a shot at that elusive Champions League crown.
Buffon did confirm he had some interesting proposals from clubs but also ruled out playing in the Serie A any further. After spending 17 years with the Turin side, Buffon could be looking to play outside, probably in the Premier League. His decision could come out after his last game against Verona.
Buffon made 33 appearances for Juventus this season including 20 in the Serie A this season, while overall playing 655 games in his Juventus career. The World Cup winner was also Italy’s most capped player with 176 games for the Azzurri.
Liverpool, on the other hand, have been struggling for a reliable, stable goalkeeper who could make the difference for them in games. In the first half of the season, the goalkeeping situation was criticised a lot. It is only since Karius took over from Mignolet that the performances have improved.
Klopp does not want to get carried away and will undoubtedly be looking for a goalkeeper in the summer window. Mignolet could be expected to leave Liverpool in the summer, seeking first-team football, as he still hasn’t given up becoming the Belgian No.1 in the future.
There could be interest in other goalkeepers as well, but the prospect of landing Gigi Buffon, if the Italian icon does continue to play further. Another season or two at the top could still be a possibility for Buffon considering his performances this season, especially in the crunch games for Juventus.
Klopp could use Buffon’s experience to create a more balanced atmosphere for goalkeepers in contrast to the situation between Karius and Mignolet. It will also allow Klopp to rotate his goalkeepers and choose the right one depending on the kind of games they play.
Karius, if nurtured well could become a long-term option for Liverpool, as the German is only 24 years of age and has a long career still in front of him. The experience of Buffon could help him learn more in the game, although Buffon is expected to be at his competitive best.
Either way, it could be useful for Liverpool’s short-term future, as well as for Buffon, who could still take an opportunity to explore another league, having spent his entire career with Juventus – initially with Parma. Playing another season or possibly two at the highest level might sound like a tempting proposition for Buffon but only the last game will tell the final decision of Buffon’s intentions.
