Liverpool are preparing the ground to sign a new back-up goalkeeper this summer.
The Reds are having to get used to the idea that plenty of change is coming their way in the ‘keeping department.
As well as losing long-standing head of coaching John Achterberg, it looks likely that Liverpool will be without Caoimhin Kelleher next season.
As Kelleher goes off in search of first-team football, his place in the Liverpool squad will need to be filled.
Although there have been rumours that he himself could also be on his way, Alisson Becker looks set to remain at Anfield and keep his No.1 shirt. And with Alisson still about, Liverpool could now have found their ideal No.2.
Liverpool like the look of Justin Bijlow
Signing a second-choice goalkeeper is one of the hardest remits in top-level football.
You need the player in question to be good, but not too good. Ready for stepping into the starting XI, but not so much that sitting on the bench week-in week-out is going to upset him.
Kelleher was perfect for this at Liverpool. Having come through the academy, the Irishman was happy to cut his teeth and play back-up to Alisson.
But as Kelleher has grown in stature, the task of replacing him has become ever more difficult. It’s one Liverpool look likely to have to face this summer.
READ MORE: Liverpool have made the first steps into replacing Caoimhin Kelleher
Thankfully, the Reds are reportedly already putting the groundwork in. A number of goalkeepers have already been linked, including Feyenoord’s Justin Bijlow.
Bijlow is nominally the No.1 at Arne Slot’s old side, but has seen his progress stalled by injury over recent years.
According to Dutch outlet De Telegraaf though, that has not curtailed Liverpool’s interest in the 26-year-old. They claim that the Reds are looking at Bijlow as a possible No.2.
In fact, Liverpool reportedly see the Feyenoord man as the ‘ideal’ back-up to Alisson. There is even a suggestion that the Reds think Bijlow could push the Brazilian, with claims that they see ‘growth potential’ in the Dutch international.
Liverpool should look at Justin Bijlow alternative
As a full international with the Netherlands and a title-winning first-choice goalkeeper with Feyenoord, Bijlow has plenty of pedigree.
However, that could reportedly come with a price-tag to match. According to The Athletic, Man United were quoted £21.2m to sign Bijlow 12 months ago.
With two years still left to run on his contract, it’s hard to see why that position would have changed too much at Feyenoord.
As a result, we could imagine that Liverpool may be priced out of a move for Bijlow. They might need to look at other options instead.
One who has cropped up is Brazilian goalie Bento Krepski. Valued at around £17m, Bento wouldn’t be far off Bijlow’s value. However, he is two years younger and arguably has higher potential. Between the two, Bento would be our choice.