Liverpool are now plotting to sign a goalkeeper who is statistically similar to Manchester United’s Andre Onana for just £4 million, according to a recent report.
Liverpool confirm Van Dijk’s new contract and being summer planning
Just under a week after confirming Mohamed Salah signed a new contract with Liverpool, the Reds have now announced that superstar defender Virgil van Dijk has signed a new deal until the summer of 2027.
Total cost of Virgil Van Dijk's new Liverpool contract is over £40,000,000
There could be a big transfer twist on the cards.
ByCharlie Smith
The 33-year-old, who was set to become a free agent this summer, was being eyed by German giants Bayern Munich, but the Dutchman has committed to the Premier League side, and his new contract will reportedly see him earn £400,000 a week.
“I’m very happy, very proud. There are so many emotions, obviously, that go through my head right now speaking about it. It’s a proud feeling; it’s a feeling of joy. It’s just incredible. The journey I’ve had so far in my career, to be able to extend it with another two years at this club is amazing, and I’m so happy.
“It was always Liverpool. That was the case. It was always in my head, it was always the plan, and it was always Liverpool.
“There wasn’t any doubt in my head that this is the place to be for me and my family. I’m one of Liverpool. Someone called me the other day an adopted Scouser – I’m really proud to hear these things; it gives me a great feeling.”
Liverpool eye new back-up goalkeeper if Kelleher departs
As Van Dijk commits his future to the Reds, according to German outlet Sport Bild, Liverpool are interested in signing goalkeeper Moritz Nicolas from Borussia Mönchengladbach, who are desperate to raise funds.
The report states that Nicolas has interest from England and particularly from Liverpool. That is because the current head of first-team goalkeeper coaching, Fabian Otte, has worked with Nicolas before, and he could be in line for a move to Anfield to help strengthen their options between the sticks.
The Reds are planning to make an immediate move for the shot-stopper, and the right offer could see this deal accelerate, as Mönchengladbach are desperate for cash to balance their books. Nicolas has a market value of just 5 million euros, which is roughly £4 million.
The report adds that the 27-year-old is seeking one final big contract in his career, but perhaps worryingly, Nicolas is statistically similar to Man United’s Onana. The pair have similar passing figures and share poor penalty saving records, placing the Manchester United ‘keeper second on FBRef’s ‘similar players’ tool.
Nicolas
Onana
Apps
19
31
Goals against
25
41
Goals against per 90
1.37
1.32
Saves
69
85
Save percentage
78.3%
69.8%
Clean sheets
4
9
Passes completed
669
868
Passes attempted
794
1192
Penalty kicks faced
5
4
Penalty kicks saved
0
1
Liverpool already have Giorgi Mamardashvili arriving from Valencia in the summer, but that is not stopping them from looking for another goalkeeper, as Caoimhín Kelleher is expected to leave while Vitezslav Jaros could go out on loan, opening up a spot for a veteran third choice.