Liverpool fans seem to have grown increasingly frustrated with their Belgian keeper, Simon Mignolet. Whilst I’d argue that the former Sunderland man could use better protection in front of him, there’s also no doubting that Mignolet has been directly responsible for conceding a few goals this season.
He’s a good shot-stopper (on his day), but he doesn’t command his area well, his distribution is poor and he’s prone to making costly errors. The Reds could do better.
Last season, Liverpool’s shabby defense (they conceded 50 Premier League goals), was offset by their electric attack. Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez were running the show. This year, their forward line is significantly less impressive, so The Reds need to tighten up defensively. They can’t afford to leak goals any longer.
This brings me to The Metro‘s claim that Liverpool are in talks with Genoa over a deal to sign their goalkeeper, Mattia Perin. The Italian ace is only 22-years-old, but he’s already proven himself to be a top keeper. I’d compare him to Arsenal’s young keeper, Wojciech Szczesny, but he’s probably a little more commanding and effective.
The aforementioned source even carries quotes from the player’s agent, Moreno Roggi: ‘There has been contact with Liverpool. For Perin I can only imagine a future abroad. I would like him to remain in Italy, but only clubs from abroad can afford him. England? It’s a possibility.’
It sounds like Liverpool’s interest is genuine. Now Brendan Rodgers just needs to figure out how much it will take to close the deal.
The Metro suggest that he could cost up to £12m. That’s a decent chunk of cash, but top quality goalkeepers are at a premium at the moment. If Rodgers thinks he’s good enough to be The Reds’ number one for many years to come, then it’s a price worth paying.
Either way, it’s going to be interesting to watch this transfer battle play out.
What’s your take? Is Mattia Perin the right option for The Reds? Who else should they be looking at?
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