Liverpool’s academy has received deserved praise this season for the way it has helped The Reds survive their injury crisis. In 2023/24, Conor Bradley, Jarrell Quansah, and Bobby Clark have all broken through into the first team. Another academy graduate, Caoimhin Kelleher, has impressed that much during Alisson Becker’s injury absence that he could leave in the summer to be a first-choice goalkeeper. The promising goalkeeper has seemingly been encouraged to leave in the past, to fulfil his potential. Current SK Strum Graz loanee Vitezslav Jaros is seemingly ready to take his place.
Vitezslav Jaros May Solve Liverpool Summer Transfer Problem
Loans Key as Jaros Developed
The 22-year-old shot-stopper joined Liverpool from Slavia Prague in 2017 and was a key member of the team that won the 2018/19 FA Youth Cup. He has since been on loan with St Patrick’s Athletic, Notts County, Stockport County, and currently, Strum Graz in Austria’s Bundesliga.
Jaros’ good form in Austria has earned him his first call-up to the Czech Republic national team. Last Word on Football looks at his growth and how he can solve a problem for Liverpool this summer.
Read More: Liverpool’s ‘Hidden Jewel’ Called Up To England Squad For First Time In Four Years
Following Liverpool’s Youth Cup win, Jaros spent the 2019/20 season with the club’s U23 squad. He also had his first involvement with The Reds’ first team. Playing a pre-season friendly against Tranmere Rovers and being named on the bench for games against Shrewsbury Town, Ajax, and FC Midtjylland.
Despite these experiences, Jaros still needed first-team football to reach his potential. His first loan move came with St Patrick’s Athletic in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division. The then 20-year-old shined during this loan spell, helping the Irish club win the FAI Cup and winning The Saints’s Player of the Year.
The Czech goalkeeper’s next move was to join Notts County on loan for the second half of the 2021/22 National League season. Jaros made 15 appearances for The Magpies but could not help them gain promotion to the EFL, as they lost to Grimsby Town in the playoffs.
Read More: ‘It’s Now Done’ – Fabrizio Romano Drops Huge Update For Liverpool Fans
Next, the 22-year-old moved to League Two Stockport County, playing 11 times during the 2022/23 season. Jaros spent the first half of the current campaign training with Liverpool’s first team, being named on the bench three times during the Europa League group stage.
In January, the Czech goalkeeper joined Strum Graz and has impressed in his nine appearances so far to earn his first senior international call-up. Loan spells have been vital in turning Jaros into the goalkeeper he is today. His continued improvement may see him get an opportunity at Anfield soon.
Summer Transfer Window May Present Opportunities
Due to Alisson’s injury issues this season, Kelleher has proven himself a capable Premier League goalkeeper. The Republic of Ireland international was the subject of a £15 million bid from Nottingham Forest in January and there is likely to be more interest in him this summer.
If Kelleher leaves, Liverpool will need a new backup goalkeeper. Jaros is the most qualified shot-stopper for the role on The Reds’ books and should get a chance to prove himself before any new goalkeeper is signed. At Strum Graz, the 22-year-old has played in the Europa Conference League and caught the eye with his saves during their recent draw to Lille.
Read More: Liverpool’s Injury Crisis: Players Who Stood Up And Saved Their Season
A capable backup goalkeeper could take £10-15 million out of Liverpool’s new manager’s transfer budget. Having a future international to rely on if Kelleher leaves the club this summer means The Reds can instead focus on evolving their squad in Jurgen Klopp’s replacement’s model.
