OPINION
Liverpool are reportedly considering a summer mover for current West Ham back-up goalkeeper Adrian.
Goal have claimed that the 32-year old’s name has been mentioned around Melwood, but Liverpool are yet to have made an official approach, with it looking increasingly likely that they will need to get rid of Simon Mignolet before making said approach.
The £50,000-per week man (Source: Spotrac) found himself out of favour over the last season in the Premier League, but has been a good servant for the Hammers over the years, registering 150 appearances for the club.
Although Lukasz Fabianski has been the undisputed number one this season for Manuel Pellegrini’s men, Adrian has still made appearances in the EFL and FA Cup respectively, however has only featured a total of five times this season for West Ham.
This being said, there isn’t much reliable cover behind the Spaniard if he were to leave the club in the summer, when his contract comes to an end.
Adrian is the current back-up keeper for the Hammers, and Pellegrini would have to look to the youth setup for extra back-up next season if Adrian were to leave without being replaced.
The 32-year old has managed to keep 43 clean sheets in 150 appearances for the Hammers since his arrival in 2013, and would no doubt be appreciated in the dressing room should he be offered a one-year extension on his current contract.
This would also allow for the club to keep their reliable back-up as appose to having to risk games by playing youngsters, and also prevent the club shelling out unnecessary funds only to bring in another number two behind Fabianski.
It is looking increasingly likely that the Hammers may have to rely on Nathan Trott as their back-up keeper going into pre-season if Adrian does leave, however the move is still seemingly dependant on the future of current Liverpool back-up keeper Mignolet.
It seems silly for Adrian to leave a club where he is loved by the fans and join another club such as Liverpool only to once again be a back-up goalkeeper, and if he were going to leave it should at least be for a club where he will be more likely to get first team football.
So with that in mind West Ham should consider keeping Adrian especially as it seems to be Liverpool’s radar that he is currently on.
