Liverpool goalkeeper Adrian’s contract is set to expire this summer, but he was not among those confirmed to be leaving by the club this week. On Wednesday, the Reds announced that Roberto Firmino, James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain would all depart on the expiry of their deals and plans are in place for a send-off for the quartet at Anfield on Saturday. However, there was no mention of Adrian in the official announcement, despite his contract also expiring on July 1. Reports have linked the club with Hannover 96 goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler as a potential replacement, but Liverpool have yet to acknowledge a departure for their No. 13, with discussions ongoing over a possible extension for the backup goalkeeper.
Adrian has been with Liverpool since 2019, making only 26 appearances in that time, but is a popular member of the squad and is viewed as influential in the dressing room. He signed a two-year extension to his original terms in 2021, having initially arrived as a replacement for Simon Mignolet. If he does agree another contract, it is unlikely to be a problematic decision given Adrian will remain third choice – regardless of the future of Caoimhin Kelleher. Turning 37 in January, Adrian’s experience has made him a core part of Liverpool’s goalkeeping stable, which is led by Alisson but largely comprised of youth. Goalkeeping coaches John Achterberg, Claudio Taffarel and Jack Robinson typically work with five or six stoppers in any given training session. Beyond Alisson, Adrian and Kelleher, youth goalkeepers such as Marcelo Pitaluga, Harvey Davies, Fabian Mrozek, and Jakub Ojrzynski are regulars at the AXA Training Centre. It remains to be seen whether Liverpool will reach an agreement with Adrian, and it is likely that Zieler is being considered if he does choose to depart.