Earlier this summer, Liverpool sent goalkeeper Danny Ward on loan to Huddersfield Town, leaving a void in the squad for a backup to Loris Karius and Simon Mignolet. Jürgen Klopp has addressed that need by signing former FC Augsburg goalkeeper Alex Manninger, who has been training with the Reds at Melwood in recent weeks.
The 39-year-old shot stopper flew with the team yesterday to the United States and could feature against Chelsea next week. His signing has been confirmed on what is expected to be a busy day of business for Liverpool.
#LFC can confirm Alex Manninger has signed a short-term contract with the club: https://t.co/DZIUA6ouEW pic.twitter.com/KH7z7CUUsz
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 22, 2016
Over the past four years, Manninger has made 34 Bundesliga appearances for Augsburg. He's also played for Arsenal and Juventus, among other teams.
It's unlikely that he'll make much of an impact this season, and if he does, it will mean something has gone horribly wrong. But he should provide another calm, veteran presence in the dressing room and give Klopp a trustworthy Plan C if Karius and Mignolet are unavailable for a short stretch.