Brad Jones’ imminent Liverpool exit – reported earlier this week by The Metro – has left space open for a new goalkeeper in our squad. Most sources, including The Metro, expect that spot to be filled by Neto.
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The 25-year-old Brazilian would be a solid challenger to Simon Mignolet but would be unlikely to surpass the Belgian for his spot in the team. As good as our No. 1 has been since the turn of the year, we want some proper competition, not the next Diego Cavalieri.
Here are eight alternative candidates who to the Fiorentina man…
8) Maarten Stekelenburg (Fulham)
The Dutchman has accumulated 54 caps for his country but has barely featured for the last two years due to injury. He’s due back from his loan spell with Monaco at the end of the season and surely won’t want to stay with Fulham.
7) Mattia Perin (Genoa)
A one-time Italian international who has been an established Serie A stopper for several years now. He’s the latest in a long-line of promising young goalkeepers to come from the country, with Simone Scuffet also hot on his heels.
6) Tim Krul (Newcastle United)
The Dutchman has been brilliant in the past and was one of the stars of last summer’s World Cup with his penalty saves. Newcastle won’t want to lose him but if they continue their recent free-fall someone could take advantage.
5) Kiko Casilla (Espanyol)
The former Real Madrid academy graduate has become one of La Liga’s very best since moving to Espanyol. The one-time Spanish international has played over 100 league games and has also played for the Catalonia team.
4) Asmir Begovic (Stoke City)
The Bosnian has found himself out of favour in recent games, with Stoke preferring Jack Butland. However, the 27-year-old has long since been established as one of the Premier League’s finest outside of the big four or five.
3) Rui Patricio (Sporting Lisbon)
With over 200 games for Lisbon under his belt as well as 36 caps for his country, the 27-year-old is an appealing choice. He impressed during the Champions League earlier this year, particularly in the games against Chelsea.
2) Artur Boruc (Southampton)
Left out in the wilderness this season, spending the campaign on loan with Championship side AFC Bournemouth. However, he’s been hugely impressive, helping guide the Cherries to the title and promotion to the Premier League. A more than solid backup keeper.
1) Petr Cech (Chelsea)
Has had to put up with being the Blues’ second-choice this season, behind Thibaut Courtois. Prior to the current campaign, he spent a decade as Chelsea’s recognised number one, winning multiple honours and proving himself to be one of the best in the world. If he were to arrive, it’d be our Belgian who’d likely sit on the bench, as Cech won’t move to a club where he isn’t guaranteed first-team football after this campaign.
