Liverpool begin search for new goalkeeper after Simon Mignolet seals £6.4m move to Club Brugge

Mignolet returns to his native Belgium in £6.4m deal

Mark Critchley
Northern Football Correspondent
Monday 05 August 2019 07:45 BST
Comments
Transfer deadline day summer 2019: The deals done so far

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Liverpool will seek to sign a replacement for Simon Mignolet this week after the second-choice goalkeeper sealed a £6.4m move to Club Brugge.

The deal, which could rise up to £8.2m in bonuses, sees Mignolet return to his native Belgium having made just two appearances last year.

Liverpool were reluctant to let the 31-year-old go, believing him to be a model professional, but accepted that a switch to Brugge was in the player’s best interests.

Jurgen Klopp will now try to sign a new back-up ‘keeper before the close of the summer transfer window for English clubs on Thursday.

Adrian, the 32-year-old former West Ham goalkeeper, is a free agent and a potential replacement for Mignolet.

Currently, Liverpool’s only cover for first-choice Alisson is the 20-year-old Caoimhin Kelleher, a Republic of Ireland Under-21 international.

Andy Lonergan, the former Preston North End ‘keeper, trained with Klopp’s squad during pre-season but is not expected to be offered a full-time contract. Loris Karius remains on loan at Besiktas for a second season.

Karius, who is rebuilding his career after his calamitous performance in the 2018 Champions League final, moved to Turkey when Mignolet was denied a loan move to Napoli last summer.

The Belgian joined from Sunderland in 2013 under Klopp’s predecessor Brendan Rodgers and held down a regular first-team place for the following three seasons.

Mignolet, who was an unused substitute for Sunday’s Community Shield, leaves Anfield on excellent terms, having made 204 appearances for the club in total.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in