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When backup goalkeeper Adrian fell to third on the depth chart this past season and with his contract winding down, the expectation heading into the summer was that the veteran would most likely return to Spain to wind down his career with boyhood club Real Betis.
Instead, after some speculation that a new contract could be on the cards, today the club announced he had extended his stay on Merseyside. According to journalists with ties to the club the extension is for two years and he is seen as the club’s third option in goal.
“I’m very happy to stay,” Adrian said following the news. “Firstly, because it’s a reward from the club for the hard work that I’ve been doing since I signed two years ago. I really appreciate that confidence from the club, from the manager, and from everyone involved.
“And secondly, and above all of that, it’s a pleasure to stay in Liverpool—it’s very special for any player to stay here. Sstaying was always my priority. I had some options, being out of contract. But also for me, it’s really important that the family is well settled to the city.”
Current second choice Caoimhin Kelleher is also rumoured to be in line for a new deal, and while some will always be eager for the club to sign new players and improve their options, Kelleher and Adrian backing up Alisson gives the club solid depth at the position.
Compared to a starter of Alisson’s quality, any alternatives will have a tough job measuring up—but then it was only a few years ago Reds fans were managing to convince themselves Brad Jones should start ahead of Simon Mignolet such was the club’s situation in goal.