Stoke City Goalkeeper Asmir Begovic May Join Liverpool this Summer
As Tony Pulis has already made way from the Britannia, goalkeeper Asmir Begovic may quickly follow suit this summer as reports indicate the Bosnian desires to join Liverpool. With a price tag rumored to be around £15 million, Liverpool could secure his services in order to replace long-term goalkeeper Pepe Reina, who has been linked to Barcelona.
Recently, Begovic told Bosnia media that he sees himself joining Liverpool this summer for their annual pre-season training. According to The Sun, he said, ”I want to start preparing on July 10, with all the players of Liverpool.” However, IB Times reports that this statement was “a complete fabrication and unfortunately it has been picked up by a paper in his country.” Even though uncertainty continues to swirl over the speculations, one would suspect that no clear-cut answers will be provided until Begovic returns from his holiday.
The move to Anfield this summer may be a dream situation for all parties involved as the former Portsmouth shot-stopper would be able to continue his rapid development in a a side that until four seasons ago was traditionally one of the best in England. For Stoke City, the 20-year-old Jack Butland seems likely to replace Begovic at Stoke, with the club currently undergoing an overhaul following Pulis’ departure.
Currently on holiday, Begovic spoke about his future (via ESPN FC):
“Now, I’m on my way for a holiday, but I don’t know yet what will happen. Will I leave Stoke City? There are many rumors, but so far I didn’t get any concrete offers. But that doesn’t mean that I will not get one.”
Although his future with the club is under question, Brendan Rodgers will also face a difficult task in whether or not to remain true to long-time Red, Reina. The Spaniard has given numerous memorable performances throughout his time in the Premier League, and the current Liverpool manager may need to focus his undivided attention towards a deteriorating back line with Jamie Carragher retired and Martin Skrtel’s future with the club still under question.
At only 25 years old, no matter where Begovic lands this summer he certainly has a brilliant future ahead. Appearing in all 38 Premier League matches this season for Stoke and also recording 12 clean sheets in the process, his command of the penalty area is among the best in the league. Although Pepe Reina may be past his prime, it may be worth it to keep hold of one of Liverpool’s best goalkeepers of all-time and look towards Begovic as a future starter and loads of experience and potential.
