Liverpool have found it difficult to secure a permanent transfer for goalkeeper Simon Mignolet as no one has come close to meeting his £12million price tag, according to the Liverpool Echo.
The regional newspaper claim that Besiktas are one of a number clubs that are keen on the Reds’ shot-stopper but only want to take him on a season long-loan and that despite reports Barcelona have not contacted the player’s representation over a potential move.
The Liverpool Echo report that Jurgen Klopp’s side now face the prospect of changing their exit plans for Mignolet as they either have to lower their valuation of him or sanction a loan move for him.
The Liverpool Echo’s report also states that aside from those two options the Reds could always keep the 30-year-old as back-up for the 2018/19 campaign even though the player has already accepted he needs to move on to get regular football.
OPINION
Mignolet still has three years left to go on his current £60,000-a-week Reds contract (Source: Total Sportek) so the club could very well to decide to not sell him this summer. If the shot-stopper had a successfully temporary spell away from Anfield then it may see clubs willing to stump £12million for him or a higher amount if he truly excels while away. However that said if Mignolet struggles while out on loan then the Reds would have to dramatically slash his price as poor performances will see several clubs lose interest in him. That situation is possible as just look at how Manchester City loaned West Ham Joe Hart last season only for him to struggle at the Hammers, causing him to be difficult to get rid of this summer. While sanctioning a loan exit can be risky as the Reds should realise from seeing Hart’s issues last season, it does seem the best option. The goalkeeper can’t be kept at Anfield any longer as he might become a problem if he ends up having to spend a full season wasting away on the bench.
