3 Dec 2015

You're Out: Klopp sanctions swap-deal for £16m Liverpool attacker and 'fantastic' Milan star

On Tuesday, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp claimed that he's 'absolutely satisfied' with the goalkeeper situation at Anfield, but the Reds continue to be linked with new 'keepers, and the latest name to enter the fray is AC Milan 'stopper Diego Lopez.

In his pre-Southampton press conference, Klopp told reporters:

"We are not looking for another goalkeeper. Since I’m here there’s nothing to criticize [about Mignolet]. I hope it stays that way".

According to Calciomercato this week:

* Liverpool want to sign Lopez, and Jurgen Klopp has 'given the green light' for a swap-deal with Mario Balotelli.

* Lopez wants a move away, and the Reds plan to make a move in January.

This all sounds very dubious, especially since Lopez is 34 years old, and (arguably) past his prime.

Some info about Lopez:

* Current contract expires: June 2018

* The assessment of Real Madrid goalkeeping coach Villiam Vecchi: "He [Lopez] is a fantastic guy [and] hates letting in goals. I've seen him get angry in training when someone scores against him. He's one of the best keepers I've ever worked with. He's good with his feet, and really good in the air. His best attribute is his reflexes. He can move very quickly despite being 1.96m".

* Milan: 56 goals conceded in 37 games (1.5 per game)

* 6 clean sheets overall (16% of games/1 every 6 games)

* Villareal/Real Madrid: 371 goals conceded in 303 games (1.2 per game)

* 92 clean sheets (30% of games/1 every 3.2 games).

Lopez appears to have regressed since his time in La Liga, and based on his current stats, he is not an upgrade on Simon Mignolet (who averages 1.2 goals conceded per game). As such, I personally don't see the point of bringing the Spaniard to Anfield (even if it does allow the Reds to get rid of Balotelli!)

Author: Jaimie K


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