6 Nov 2015

Klopp's Top Target: Liverpool want to sign 'fantastic' £150k-a-week CL winner to replace Mignolet

A year ago, Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers allegedly rejected the chance to sign ex-Barcelona star Victor Valdes, and with Jurgen Klopp reportedly 'unconvinced' by Simon Mignolet, it appears that Valdes is back on the the club's transfer wish-list.

Liverpool were last linked with Valdes in September, and according to Spanish sports magazine Don Balon this week, Klopp is interested in Marc-Andre ter Stegen, but Valdes is the manager's top choice to replace Mignolet.

Transfer Timeline

* Jun 2013: The Mirror, claimed that Brendan Rodgers was planning a summer move for Valdes, and that Barca would listen to offers 'of around £16m'.

* Feb 2014: Spanish newspaper Sport claimed that LFC were negotiating with Barca after submitting an offer for Valdes.

* Apr 2014: The Guardian claimed: "Liverpool will attempt to shore up their decidedly porous defence by replacing the occasionally flappy Simon Mignolet with Víctor Valdés ".

* Oct 2014: Valdes's Agent told Spanish newspaper Sport: "Liverpool have not offered us the chance to train with them for four days. And we have not rejected the offer, because it is false."

* Oct 2014: Spanish pundit Guillem Balague claimed that Rodgers passed on the deal. He noted: "As soon as things started to get a bit tetchy, Rodgers found himself with enough reasons not to take the chance".

* Sep 2015: ESPN 'sources' claimed: "Liverpool are considering a shock move for Manchester United goalkeeper Victor Valdes".

* Oct 2015: Valdes's agent confirmed: "The intention is to leave Manchester United. He [Valdes] won't be coming to Spain. It is obvious he must leave in January, and we are looking to find a move that he likes".

Valdes is clearly unwanted at Man United, and with legendary hothead Louis Van Gaal in charge, it's no surprise there's friction between the two. The Spaniard admits, however, that he isn't the easiest person to get along with:

"I am a very difficult person to work with. I recriminate myself when I keep myself in the margins and let people down, especially those who expect better from me".

Valdes - recently hailed as 'fantastic' by Man United's goalkeeping coach - is a proven winner, with admirable experience, and at the Nou Camp, he conceded only 0.8 goals per game in 500 appearances for Barcelona. By comparison, Mignolet's career average is 1.3 goals per game.

Liverpool fans definitely want Valdes. Last season, I conducted a poll asking if the Spaniard should replace Mignolet, and the results were emphatic:



Valdes is reportedly on £150k-a-week at United, which may ultimately derail any deal with the Reds, but if there's a financial compromise to be reached, Valdes is (arguably) a top-class option.

Author: Jaimie K


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