According to reports on Tuesday, former Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina could be set for a surprise return to Anfield this summer.
We should not get too excited, however, assuming you would welcome to the return of the Spaniard, with the report originating from Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport, and seems a tenuous link.
They claim that Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is keen to acquire the signature of Reina, despite also signing goalkeeper Loris Karius from Mainz last week, and could offer him a player-coach role.
The report also states that the 33-year-old is mulling over moving back to his former club, despite being the current first-choice ‘keeper at Napoli.
He enjoyed nine years as a Reds player between 2005 and 2014, winning the FA Cup and League Cup, and is widely regarded as one of Liverpool’s most reliable performers of the Premier League era.
Reina made 394 appearances in total, and was a key man during the successful reign of Rafa Benitez in the mid to late 2000s.
He won the Premier League Golden Glove award three times in a row, in 2005/06, 2006/07 and 2007/08, and was a hugely popular figure.
Although this rumour should not be taken too seriously, it further raises question marks over Simon Mignolet‘s future at Liverpool.
The 28-year-old could be usurped by Karius as the Reds’ first-choice ‘keeper next season and there is a growing feeling that Klopp is unconvinced by the Belgian.
As is always the case at this time of year, though, this report linking Reina with a return to Anfield should be taken with a pinch of salt, until a more respected source breaks the news.
Doubts also remain over the long-term future of Liverpool first-team goalkeeping coach John Achterberg, who has come under fire in recent times.
The 44-year-old has been in the role for five years, in which time no Reds ‘keeper has ever really looked convincing.
Klopp is thought to be considering making further changes to backroom staff this summer, and Achterberg may be someone who makes way.
There’s no chance Reina, Mignolet and Karius would all be needed at the club, but it may become a more viable option to have Reina as backup keeper and goalkeeper coach if Mignolet were to leave.
File this one under not likely.
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