Transfer news: Liverpool actively shopping for new goalkeeper

Loris Karius’ mistakes in the Champions League final sent Liverpool into a buy now mentality. That mentality being ‘BUY A KEEPER NOW’.

Liverpool has already signed Fabinho and has made a bid on Nabil Fekir. Now, they are actively seeking a new starting goalkeeper less than a week after the Champions League final loss to Real Madrid. Liverpool’s starting keeper this past season, Loris Karius, made two massive mistakes in the final that many felt cost Liverpool any chance of winning the final.

The two keepers on Liverpool’s radar are Roma/Brazilian keeper Alisson and Barcelona/Netherlands keeper Jasper Cillessen. Both are talented and probably better than Karius. Who would be better for Liverpool though?

Alisson vs. Cillessen

The 29-year old Jasper Cillessen hasn’t been the featured goaltender at Barcelona since he signed with them in 2016. For two years in Spain, Cillessen has played only twice in La Liga and has made 21 appearances overall. Cillessen gets much of his game time as the starting goaltender for the Netherlands. He played very well at the 2014 World Cup and has collected 38 caps for the Oranje.

The 25-year old Brazillian Alisson had his breakout season this past year. He helped Roma to the Champions League semifinals and played all but one game in Serie A. Roma finished third in the league and only conceded 28 goals for the entire season. The young Brazillian is also tipped to be Brazil’s number one for the World Cup. He has 24 caps for Brazil.

For me, Alisson is the better option. He is four years younger than Cillessen and is two inches taller than him. He is also a good fit in goal for the Premier League since he is a stopper of hard shots and can follow in the footsteps of fellow Brazillian Ederson. He is also very comfortable with the ball at his feet.

The money Roma want for Alisson is €80million. Let me repeat that. EIGHTY MILLION POUNDS FOR A GOALKEEPER. I know keepers are important, but it’s not like Liverpool don’t have anyone standing in net.

Too quick on the draw

Loris Karius did have a bad final, but he did not have a bad season. I do think Liverpool could use an improvement in goal, but not for the high cost of 80 million pounds. Ederson’s €34.7million sale to Man City last summer became the most expensive goalkeeper transfer of all-time. It broke the previous record by 2.1 million pounds. The previous record was Gianluigi Buffon’s move to Juventus from Parma in 2001.

Next: First step taken in Nabil Fekir chase for Reds

Alisson is a great goalkeeper and could be the piece Liverpool needs to be successful for many years. If Roma doesn’t put their asking price down, it is not worth it. Liverpool can’t afford to use 80 million pounds on a player that doesn’t score goals. They could use that 80 million to buy Fekir, and some other defenders, which they need more than a keeper.

I do think the reaction is way too quick to Karius’ performance. While goalkeepers tend to never be themselves after making mistakes that crucial on a big stage, Karius is still a decent enough keeper to play for Liverpool in cup matches and league games.

If Liverpool does want a keeper for cheaper, Cillessen would be the better option. First things first, Liverpool should take a step back, breath, and look at the situation in a more patient manner.