According to Naveen Ullal from Sport Witness, Liverpool are monitoring the progress of 20-year-old goalkeeper Ivor Pandur. The Croatian plays for HNK Rijeka in his homeland and has impressed this season.
Furthermore, Juventus are also reported to be interested in the shot-stopper.
European Footballing Giants Want Ivor Pandur
Breakout Season for Rijeka
Ivor Pandur has come through through the youth ranks at Rijeka, making his first-team debut aged 19 in October 2019. The keeper has made ten appearances for HNK Rijeka this season, in which he conceded eight goals and kept six clean sheets in the process.
His side are currently second place in the Croatian First Football League. However, they are a long way away from first place Dinamo Zagreb, who have 65 points compared to Rijeka’s 47.
It seems, though, that if Pandur was not to have played as frequently or as well, Rijeka might be struggling for a European spot altogether. There are only a few points separating their spot from sixth place.
If he is ever able to continue these performances, then he could definitely end up on the books of a European heavyweight.
The Reds and the Old Lady Eye Ivor Pandur
TuttoMercatoWeb states Liverpool have been keeping an eye on Pandur.
Aside from the Merseyside club, Juventus are also looking at the keeper and TuttoMercatoWeb states there have been “contacts with Liverpool and Juventus.” They do not make it clear who initiated the contact.
Pandur is one of the jewels of Croatian football and is viewed as a future national team player. His contract with Rijeka runs down in 2023.
Pandur’s Inspirations Plus Potential Goalkeeping Competition
Speaking to Croatian newspaper Sportske Novosti in February, Pandur discussed his admiration for Liverpool’s own Alisson Becker, as well as Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
“Ter Stegen and Alisson [are my role models]. A lot can be learned from them, in all segments of the game. [Fortunately], I can look at them and learn,” Pandur said.
Klopp has Adrian as a backup for Alisson, while academy graduate Caoimhin Kelleher and veteran Andy Lonergan are the other two goalkeepers in the squad. As well, youngster Kamil Grabara is currently loaned out at Huddersfield Town. Juventus have the likes of Gianluigi Buffon, Mattia Perin and Wojciech Szczesny in their side.
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