Time running out for Liverpool as Arsenal inch closer to landing English prodigy

Liverpool have been scouting Ajax goalkeeper Charlie Setford extensively, player close to joining Arsenal

According to a report from HITC (h/t CaughtOffside), Liverpool have scouted Ajax goalkeeper Charlie Setford over the last 12 months.

Having been scouted by Ajax at the age of seven, Charlie Setford has been a part of the Dutch heavyweights ever since. He has come through the Ajax youth system along with his younger brother Tommy.

The former England under-18 international is highly rated and has already made 36 appearances for Jong Ajax in the Eerste Divisie. He has previously won Ajax’s famed Talent of The Year award back in 2022, making him coveted in the transfer market. Along with Liverpool, Manchester City have also been keeping tabs on the developments of Setford, the aforementioned report adds (h/t CaughtOffside).

Liverpool are looking at a potential overhaul in the goalkeeping department this summer. Adrian left Anfield to join his boyhood club Real Betis earlier this month, despite the club offering him a contract extension. The veteran Spaniard’s exit means new boss Arne Slot is left with two senior goalkeepers, Alisson Becker and Caoimhin Kelleher.

With Alisson Becker the undisputed No.1 at the club, Kelleher is eyeing a move away as he seeks regular playing time to further his career amid interest from Celtic. He has been an able deputy to Alisson over the years and stepped up and did his job with minimal issue—particularly last season. However, the Republic of Ireland international has reached an age where he wants to play regularly and become a No.1—which looks unlikely to happen at Liverpool unless Alisson is present.

Interestingly, Alisson is also linked with an exit from Liverpool, with Saudi Arabian clubs vying for his signature. Arne Slot is highly unlikely to sanction the Brazilian shot-stopper’s exit in his first transfer window as the Liverpool boss. He may be forced to allow Kelleher leave if he pushes for a move away, given his aspirations to establish himself as a first-choice goalkeeper.

If Kelleher ends up leaving the red half of Merseyside, Liverpool must look to replace the Irishman with the talented Setford. The young Englishman has barely any first-team experience but he is good enough to act as a deputy to Alisson. However, Arsenal are close to completing a deal for Setford and it remains to be seen if the Reds can trump the Gunners with a 12th-hour bid.

More Liverpool News

• Trent Alexander-Arnold sends uplifting message to former Liverpool teammate with tarnished Anfield legacy
• Liverpool star highlights importance of being played in natural position with Euro 2024 gong
• European Cup winning Brazilian star could be on his way to Liverpool for £45m

It would be a very risky affair but our club has always trusted and backed youth. Also, Slot is certain to have some knowledge about Setford having managed in the Netherlands for seven years. He could use contacts in his homeland and try getting more information on the Ajax shot-stopper, who is seemingly destined for a bright future in the game.