Liverpool Close In On Ex Barcelona Goalkeeper Victor Valdes
Reports in England have suggested that Liverpool is a step closer to signing Spanish goalkeeper Victor Valdes. Express Sport has reported Liverpool have held talks with Valdes’ representative and the player is set to arrive at Melwood for a trial. Liverpool is wary of Valdes’ current fitness concerns after tearing his Anterior Cruciate Ligament while playing for Barcelona earlier this year.
Before tearing his ACL, Victor Valdes had announced that he would end his 12 year association with the Catalan club in an emotional penned letter to the fans. Victor Valdes, who is now a free agent, had been rumored to join French club AS Monaco but a switch to Liverpool now seems certain.
It is suggested that Liverpool manager, Brendan Rodgers, is not completely happy about his current goalkeeping options at Anfield. Rodgers sold veteran goalkeeper Jose Manuel Reina to Bayern Munich after the Spaniard returned from loan in Italy. His current first choice goalkeeper, Simon Mignolet, has come under criticisms during Liverpool’s poor defensive form after collecting just one clean sheet since the start of the season.
Victor Valdes would add experience to the Liverpool defense, after much of the team’s criticism stem from their inability to defend set-pieces and crosses. However, it is unknown whether Rodgers would have Valdes as a backup option to Mignolet or start the Spanish goalkeeper.
Victor Valdes made 535 appearances for FC Barcelona, incredibly winning 21 trophies for the Catalan giants. Valdes has also won the prestigious Ricardo Zamora award five times, joint most shared with another Barcelona goalkeeper Antoni Ramallets.
In other news, Liverpool have announced that striker Daniel Sturridge has penned a new five-year deal with the club. Sturridge is due to get a pay-rise with an improved contract as a reward for his recent form at the club. The English international, who is currently recovering from injury, believes his best form is ahead of him.
“There are a lot of things I’m happy with, and how they’ve gone so far, but there is a lot to come,” he added. “I’ve not shown yet what I can do. What I’m doing is just the start for me.”
If things go as scheduled, Liverpool fans may soon see Sturridge lining up alongside Victor Valdes in a very short while.
Should Liverpool sign Victor Valdes despite his current fitness issues? Would Victor Valdes be an improvement to current goalkeeper Simon Mignolet?
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