Mignolet or Karius? Liverpool Face a Tough Choice Between Backup Keepers

Mignolet’s agent said that Liverpool would like to keep the Belgian keeper, but is this the right move?

In the latest rumor over Simon Mignolet, that of the player and club being in negotiations with Serie A side Napoli, the player’s manager, Nico Vaessen, made an interesting statement about Liverpool’s intentions.

“It’s in the interest of the club to find a solution. Liverpool would keep him but he wants to—he must—play. He deserves to start for a big team” Vaessen said.

This seems to get at the heart of a dilemma for the club since the arrival of Alisson Becker from Roma last month. For the first time in a long time, the club have an undisputed number one. Most have assumed Mignolet, now the presumptive third choice, would be the first out the door, but according to his agent, Klopp & Co. are keen to keep him about.

From Klopp’s perspective, it might make a bit of sense. We have seen Mignolet come in and play some of his best stuff for Liverpool when competing with Karius for top spot. If Mignolet remains at the club (instead of Karius), we know more or less what we would be getting from the Belgian pear monger. Although Klopp saw a very positive response from Karius once he lost his spot two seasons ago, there are no assurances he can come back after that disastrous Champions League final.

Another issue, for either goalkeepers, is getting the proper value on the transfer market. Other teams know we have a surplus of keepers, and neither are hot commodities, even if they could both prove capable keepers under the right system and manager.

Hopefully Liverpool can secure a deal away for at least one of the keepers before the various markets close.

Source: liverpooloffside.sbnation.com