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Liverpool seem keen on taking advantage of various contract scenarios in order to strengthen the squad this summer. James Milner has agreed a deal to move to Liverpool on a Bosman transfer, Danny Ings has been tracked throughout the season with view to signing him for less than his market value with a tribunal set to decide a fee upon the expiration of his contract this summer, and Southampton cannot push for a grossly inflated fee for Nathaniel Clyne as he has only one year remaining on his contract. For the right player, such an approach to the market can work with funds allocated elsewhere. This doesn't look like a smart move.
Some players have to be signed as support or squad players in building a squad, not every player who will join Liverpool will be a star. However, Liverpool have struggled with depth in the goalkeeping position since Simon Mignolet arrived at the club two years ago. Brad Jones wasn't good enough to push Mignolet for a place in the team or adequately replace him in the event of dips in form, injuries, or suspensions. His departure on a free transfer offers an opportunity for his wages to be allocated to a superior player. Danny Ward probably lacks the experience and ability to be counted on and would need to extend his contract anyway, making an addition a priority.
Should a goalkeeper who was primarily a reserve for a club in the bottom half of the Championship be the solution to Liverpool's problem in the goalkeeping position? That's exactly what Bolton Wanderers' Adam Bogdan is. The Hungarian goalkeeper excelled in 2011/12, taking advantage of an injury to first-choice goalkeeper Jussi Jääskeläinen to claim the spot for the rest of the season. Jääskeläinen could not displace a confident and impressive Bogdan who ended the season as the club's Player of the Year. His form also led to recognition as his country's Player of the Year to seal a fine personal year despite his club's relegation from the Premier League. He made 70 league appearances over the following two seasons in 2012/13 and 2013/14 before operating primarily as an understudy to Andy Lonegran in 2014/15.
Reports from the reliable sources, such as the Liverpool Echo indicate that a deal could be close for the 27-year-old. Liverpool fans may remember his fine performance at Anfield in the FA Cup for a stubborn Bolton Wanderers side in January, and maybe Rodgers' interest in the player began then. Bogdan's out of contract and would enable Liverpool to allocate funds elsewhere. It's unlikely that Bogdan can challenge or step in for Mignolet—something that was thought to be a priority entering the summer transfer window. Whether that's a wise choice is best left for others and time itself to pass judgement on.
