Adrian: Liverpool extends the Spaniard stay for another year – Good or bad decision?

Liverpool’s number 2, Adrian, has another 1 year at Anfield after agreeing to a new contract that extends his stay until 2022.

Adrian was heading for the exit doors with the club on the fence whether to hand him a new deal or not. Now they have gone for the former and the man is nothing but pleased to stay put at the Merseyside club.

"Liverpool goalkeeper Adrian has signed a new, extended contract with the club.Adrian’s spell at Anfield will continue after he put pen to paper on a new deal following the end of the 2020-21 season."

Adrian has been the hero and the villain in his time at Liverpool

Adrian enjoyed a marvellous opening campaign with the Reds where he produced some costly errors but still did a solid job when standing in for Alisson Becker, who was injured at the start of the season and just after he [Adrian] joined the club.

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Alisson was subbed off in Liverpool’s season opener against Norwich City and was sidelined for the next two months thereafter.

It was thought that the Spaniard was unable to fill in for the Brazillian but Adrian went on to help Liverpool win a UEFA Super Cup and was an important figure in their Premier League-winning campaign.

In the same run Adrian was needed again, Alisson returned from injury but was not available for selection later on the season – but this time missing fewer games due to the COVID-19 pandemic stopping football, giving Alisson Becker enough time to recover before the rest of the season commenced.

In the Reds follow-up season, it was a bit of the same for both keepers, Alisson missing through injury and Adrian stepping in for him.

Sadly Adrian’s poor displays left Jurgen Klopp no choice but to go with Caoimhin Kelleher as the club’s second choice – but yet again, Adrian got another lifeline because of both Alisson and Kelleher being out injured at the same time.

Does Adrian deserve an extension at Liverpool?

There will always be divided opinions on this man and he is never going to get away from it. This based on the errors made by the stopper.

His most memorable ones, Liverpool’s loss against Atletico Madrid and his terrible showing in Liverpool’s biggest and ugliest loss of last season  – they got hammered by Aston Villa 7-2.

He was at fault for a couple of goals in the Villa humiliation and single-handedly got Liverpool kicked out of the Champions League against Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid.

After all of the above is taken into account, you would say, no, Adrian doesn’t deserve a new contract. However, with little funds, as the club states, they have for transfers, it is the best they can do for now.

Adrian’s joy after signing a new one-year deal with Liverpool:

"I’m delighted, I’m very happy to stay in the club.Firstly, because it’s a reward from the club for the hard work that I’ve been doing since I signed two years ago. I really appreciate that confidence from the club, from the manager and from everyone involved in that situation.And secondly, and above all of that, it’s a pleasure to stay in Liverpool – it’s such a big club. But being as well a family club, it’s very special for any player to stay here. I am privileged. (Via: liverpoolfc.com)"

Was it a good or bad decision by the club?

In all honesty, it was a good decision carried out by the club. If funds are on a low the club can save on trying to sign a new stopper and look at strengthening in other areas rather.

The extra cash saved could help in finding the best-suited replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum, which should be a priority for them.

Caoimhin Kelleher and Adrian have proven more times than not they can do a proper job between the sticks. If one is failing the other can step in.

If Kelleher is the future of Liverpool then signing another backup would be seen as a waste of money. The idea is for Alisson not to get injured, not prep for his injury with an almost world-class keeper as a number 2.

The club would be paying extravagant amounts for a goalkeeper who would barely play if Alisson stays fit for an entire season. It makes sense on a business front.