Liverpool will have to look for a new goalkeeper with Adrian’s move elsewhere ‘linked’, leading them to monitor another Brazilian.
Adrian has been offered a new one-year deal to stay at Anfield but, with his terms set to expire on Monday, the Spaniard is moving on.
It has been widely reported that the 37-year-old has decided to return to La Liga after receiving an offer from his boyhood club Real Betis.
According to Seville Journalthis deal is now “bound”, and it is explained that he “will not be taking a sabbatical” and will instead compete for the No. 1 role.
The move is expected to be announced when his contract at Liverpool expires next week, with Adrian following Thiago and Joel Matip in leaving for free.
With Caoimhin Kelleher also expected to push for a move away after confirming his desire to be a regular starting goalkeeper, this will turn the Reds towards the transfer market.
According to Brazilian outlet Globo, this has seen them mull over a move for Athletico Paranaense stopper Bento, 25.
Inter Milan were tipped to complete a deal for the two-cap Brazil international but instead turned to Genoa’s Josep Martinez, who is expected to join the club in the coming days.
That has reportedly attracted interest from Liverpool, Sporting CP and Benfica for a player valued at more than €15m (£12.7m).
After the failure of Bento’s transfer to Inter, Athletico “will now listen to other proposals”, although it is maintained that he intends to keep his number 1 if his price is not not respected.
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— Bento Krepski (@Bentokrepski) June 18, 2024
Bento made his debut for Athletico in 2020, becoming first choice two years later, and has already made 163 appearances for the club, currently sixth in the Brazilian top flight.
Bento in 2024
• Games: 26
• Clean sheets: 13
• Goals conceded: 16
He was called up to the Brazil national team for the first time in 2023 and made his first start in their 1-0 friendly win over England in March this year.
Now he is part of the Copa America squad, serving as a back-up and competition to Alisson – which, if Liverpool pursue a transfer, could be a precursor to his role on Merseyside.
Liverpool’s Brazilian connection
Interest in Bento is certainly not out of the question, especially given the influence of Alisson and goalkeeping coach Claudio Taffarel.
With John Achterberg stepping down as head of goalkeeping this summer, it wouldn’t be surprising if Taffarel’s opinion carried more weight when it comes to identifying targets.
The 58-year-old is also part of the Brazilian coaching staff, working daily with Alisson and Bento in the Copa America – while at Liverpool, Marcelo Pitaluga, 21, is also part of the Brazilian goalkeeping contingent.
