Bienvenido a Casa! Liverpool veteran Adrián set for emotional return to Real Betis
Liverpool FC’s third-choice goalkeeper, Adrián, is set to complete an emotional move back to his home country and La Liga, as his boyhood club Real Betis are poised to acquire his services on a free transfer, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
The 37-year-old arrived at Anfield on a free transfer following a successful spell with West Ham United and has become an integral part of the squad over the years. However, his involvement on the pitch has been minimal after losing his place as Alisson’s backup goalkeeper to Caoimhin Kelleher.
While the Reds offered the Spaniard an option to extend his stay at the club, owing to his influence in the dressing room, he has opted for a move back home. Earlier this week, the club confirmed in an official statement that they had offered an extension to the former Hammers keeper. However, there remains uncertainty over his consideration of the new deal.
Adrián chooses La Liga return over Reds’ extension
Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo suggested that he has put Liverpool’s proposal ‘aside’ as prospects for La Liga have been floated. And the same has been relayed by Italian transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, who took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to confirm the player’s openness to exploring opportunities beyond Liverpool. Romano wrote:
“Real Betis are set to sign Adrián San Miguel as free agent from Liverpool, verbal agreement in place. Formal steps needed, expected to follow in July then Adrian will return from Spain leaving #LFC as free agent. There’s already his green light, as ABC reports.”
Adrián’s exit a double win for Liverpool?
While the Reds lose a long-serving servant, it is time for change at the club as we walk into a new era down the Anfield Road. Adrian’s exit comes with an advantage, as it opens up a space for foreign players on Liverpool’s roster. The club has been struggling to meet the Premier League’s home-grown quota lately, and Adrian’s departure offers an opportunity to address this issue.
The veteran established himself as a Reds hero following his 2019 UEFA Super Cup penalty shootout heroics against Chelsea. While his star has fallen off in recent years, Adrian will leave Anfield having already etched his name into the club’s annals of history. Adrián’s return to Real Betis will be a sentimental journey back to where his professional career began, bringing it full circle.
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Given Adrian’s departure and the rumours surrounding Kelleher, there is a possibility that the club can explore signing a keeper or two this summer. Sunderland’s goalkeeper Anthony Patterson has been subject to interest from the Premier League giants, while the likes of James Trafford and Filip Jorgensen have also been named as potential additions.
