Liverpool to block exit of £60,000-a-week goalkeeper

Liverpool have reportedly decided against the potential departure of goalkeeper Simon Mignolet before the European transfer window closes this weekend. The Belgium international has repeatedly highlighted his ambition to pursue a fresh challenge but the Reds now appear unlikely to heed to his demand.
According to The Guardian, the Merseyside giants have no plans of offloading Mignolet after they recently sanctioned the loan departure of Loris Karius to Besiktas. Surprisingly, the Black Eagles were initially interested in landing Mignolet from Anfield but a deal could not materialise with the club’s hierarchy having wanted the permanent exit of the former Sunderland man.
Meanwhile, Serie A side Napoli are also deemed to have expressed an interest in the Belgian shot-stopper but their temporary approach was likewise rebuffed before they decided to sign David Ospina on an initial season-long loan from Arsenal.
Mignolet served as the Reds’ first-choice goalkeeper between 2013 and 2017 but his importance reduced during the second half of the previous campaign after he dropped a clanger during a thrilling 3-3 Premier League draw versus Arsenal.
Thereafter, Karius jumped ahead of him in the pecking order to cement the number one role but his fate was likewise sealed after a unforgettable double blunder during the 3-1 Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid.
Karius thereafter tried to make amends whilst starting regularly during pre-season but his performances were far from impressive as he made the headlines for further mistakes between the sticks.
At present, Mignolet remains the Reds’ number two behind summer signing Alisson Becker and the Belgian may not expect any gametime with the club until their League Cup campaign begins following the international break.
Until then, the £60,000-a-week goalkeeper may need to bide his time in the substitutes’ bench and this is sure to raise frustration, given he has been declined a temporary exit to revive his flagging club career.