According to Alfredo Pedulla (h/t Metro), Liverpool have been told by Lazio that goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha will cost £35million.
Jurgen Klopp appears to have switched his attention from AS Roma sensation Alisson Becker to Lazio’s Thomas Strakosha, as the Reds ramp up their pursuit of a new goalkeeper.
Liverpool were interested in Alisson but Roma’s asking price for their prized asset has forced Klopp to abandon the Brazilian’s pursuit this summer. Meanwhile, Spanish giants Real Madrid have moved firmly into the driver’s seat for Alisson.
The Reds are in dire need of a new shot-stopper after Loris Karius and Simon Mignolet’s inconsistent displays this past season. Mignolet was the first-choice under Klopp but a series of erratic displays cost him his position, while Karius’ horror show in the Champions League final against Real Madrid last month has left the German tactician with no option but to look for a new gloveman this summer.
Lazio’s Thomas Strakosha is the man that the Reds are chasing now to solve their goalkeeping conundrum next season.
Strakosha, 23, has established himself as one of the promising young goalkeepers in the Serie A. The Albanian’s stock has seen a rise, particularly after his fine displays in goal last season.
He played in all 38 league games for Lazio, keeping 11 clean sheets as the Biancocelesti narrowly missed out on a spot in the Champions League.
Although Lazio have named their price for Strakosha, they do not want to sell their star goalkeeper. But if the Reds meet Lazio’s asking price for Strakosha, the Serie A club would be forced to accept it.
As things stand, if Liverpool really are to challenge for the big prize next season, Klopp should simply aim higher than Thomas Strakosha.
