Liverpool are one of four English clubs who are interested in completing the signing of Carlisle United goalkeeper William Atherton this summer, according to a new report.
Reds supporters will be hoping to see another busy summer in the transfer market at Anfield, following a season of toil as defending Premier League champions.
Reinforcements are needed all over the pitch, from defence to attack, and it will be intriguing to see who is brought in and which players depart.
There are also doubts over Arne Slot’s future as Liverpool’s head coach, and there is a possibility that sporting director Richard Hughes moves on, too, amid rumours of him heading to Saudi Arabia.
Away from big-name signings, it is always important that the Reds plan for the long-term, bringing in hugely exciting young homegrown players, as was the case with Rio Ngumoha when he arrived from Chelsea.
According to Football Insider, Carlisle ‘keeper Atherton is on Liverpool’s radar this summer, with Manchester City, Everton and Burnley also “keeping a close eye” on him.
The 15-year-old has “turned down the offer of a scholarship and early professional deal at the National League side and placed his high-profile suitors on alert”, with scouts already watching him.
William Atherton one for the future for Liverpool
Atherton clearly wouldn’t be arriving as a replacement for Alisson at Liverpool, or someone who could challenge Giorgi Mamardashvili for minutes, but he would be an exciting long-term addition.
The fact that so many top clubs are interested in him shows what a talent he is, with the above update claiming that he “could follow in the footsteps” of James Trafford, in terms of being a future England international and potential No.1 for the Three Lions.
Atherton is “very highly regarded”, and while Alisson will be an almost impossible player to replace eventually, the hope is that the Carlisle teenager has the potential to become an elite player in his position over time.
Planning for both the present and the future should always be the aim for Liverpool, and if they can pip others to the signing of Atherton, it could prove to be a major coup.
