Update: This article was published before Liverpool announced the signing of Adrian.
According to a recent report by the Liverpool Echo‘s Ian Doyle, Southampton keeper Alex McCarthy is the frontrunner to replace Simon Mignolet at Anfield before the summer transfer window closes later this week. The same source has claimed that the Club Brugge agreed on a €7m fee with the Reds which could rise to €9m based on performance-related bonuses.
McCarthy’s Long Journey To The Top Of English Football
McCarthy began his career at Reading before going on to play on loan for clubs such as Woking FC, Cambridge United, Aldershot Town, Yeovil Town, Brentford, Leeds United and Ipswich Town. The Royals finally decided to part ways with him permanently in the summer transfer period of 2014 when he joined Queens Park Rangers. He could only make four appearances for the London outfit before being shipped out to Crystal Palace back in 2015.
The Saints decided to take a chance on him after McCarthy failed to establish himself as a first-team starter at Selhurst Park. Since moving to the South-coast of England, the English goalie has risen to prominence and was an integral member of Ralph Hasenhüttl’s team in the previous campaign.
The 29-year-old made 25 appearances for Southampton last season, conceding 44 goals while keeping four clean sheets across all competitions. He has also earned one international cap for England thus far. McCarthy has a wealth of experience in English football which makes him a perfect candidate to play second-fiddle to Alisson Becker at Anfield next season.
What Will The English Goalie Add To Klopp’s Side?
McCarthy has excellent reflexes which allow him to pull off some world-class saves at the back. The English shot-stopper can also position himself well inside his own box and is a competent handler of the ball when under pressure by the opposition. He can also dive quickly on either side to make some essential stops for his team. However, the Saints goalie is not an accurate distributor of the ball, which suggests that he might struggle to adapt to Jurgen Klopp’s brand of football at the Merseyside club.
Will McCarthy Be An Ideal Replacement For Mignolet?
The acquisition of a keeper of McCarthy’s experience could prove to be a clever move for the Reds as they need a reliable number two for Alisson. The Brazil international is currently one of the best goalkeepers in world football so McCarthy can learn a lot from him if he decides to make a switch to Anfield this summer.
There is no doubt that the Southampton talent will fit in well at Merseyside. He could become an ideal replacement for Mignolet as he won’t complain about limited game time in the upcoming campaign.
