Premier League club Liverpool have identified Wigan Athletic goalkeeper Sam Tickle as a potential target for the summer transfer window, according to Daily Mail. The club believes he could be a long-term solution in the defensive unit.
The growing reputation of Sam Tickle
Sam Tickle joined the youth academy of Wigan Athletic back in 2012 and had to work his way to the top. He was promoted to the senior squad last summer. His impressive performances have made him the first-choice goalkeeper of the side.
The 22-year-old shot-stopper has featured in 50 games this season, managing to take 17 clean sheets home. He has crazy reflexes and strong hands to block close-range shots. He likes to maintain a high intensity throughout the game.
However, the youngster needs to improve his long passes. With more experience and training, Sam can definitely do that and emerge as one of the premium goalkeepers across the globe. His immense potential has attracted interest from multiple clubs.
A replacement for Caoimhin Kelleher?
Liverpool already have Alisson Becker as their primary goalkeeper and Caoimhin Kelleher as his backup. Whenever needed, the latter goalkeeper has stood tall for the club and delivered in the absence of the Brazilian keeper.
However, the Irish shot-stopper wants to be the number one goalkeeper for the team. It seems tough as long as Alisson is there and hence, Kelleher could leave the club following this season. Though the Reds will not hesitate to sell him, they will have to bring in a new goalkeeper in the summer.
The English club believe Sam Tickle can be a perfect replacement for the 25-year-old goalkeeper. He can be a long-term investment and will serve as a backup option. However, it will interesting to see if the management will trust the youngster or not. Sam doesn’t have prior experience playing for a tier 1 side and might crumble at the highest level.
