OPINION
Everything has to come to an end eventually, and nowhere is that more true than in professional football.
Whether it’s a period of dominance for one particular club, the tenure of a much-loved manager, or a player leaving a club that they have been a wonderful servant to, the nature of the game means that everything must come to a conclusion.
You would expect that to be the case with Simon Mignolet and Liverpool this summer.
The Belgian stopper has been heavily linked with a move away from Anfield this window, as reported by the Evening Standard, and with Alisson Becker nailed on as number one on Merseyside, it’s hard to see any way that he will be even regular, competitive first team football any time soon.
As reported by the Echo, however, he could still be of use to the Reds this summer.
The 6’4″ keeper [Transfermarkt] is Jurgen Klopp’s only senior option between the sticks going into preseason, with Alisson on holiday after his Copa America triumph, Caoimhin Kelleher recovering from surgery on a broken wrist, and Kamil Grabara yet to return from U21 European Championship.
The chances are that Mignolet will be called upon against Tranmere Rovers on Thursday, and he must use it as an opportunity to put himself in the shop window.
The 31-year-old is a sublime shot stopper, but there have been times when his handling and concentration has been called into question.
If he can get a good summer under his belt, however, it could be the perfect way for him to offer a come and get me plea to any watching suitors who may be on the fence about making their move.
