In a surprising turn of events, Liverpool’s veteran goalkeeper, Adrian San Miguel, finds himself excluded from Jurgen Klopp’s Europa League squad, potentially signaling the end of his tenure at the club.
Adrian, who has served as the backup to Alisson Becker since his arrival from West Ham in 2019, now sits third in the pecking order behind the emerging Caoimhin Kelleher.
Adrian Omitted from Liverpool’s Europa League Squad
With just two first-team appearances over the past two seasons, Adrian’s absence from the Europa League squad comes as no shock.
The acquisition of Dutch midfielder Ryan Gravenberch presented Klopp with a challenging decision, as UEFA regulations differ from Premier League rules.
While Gravenberch qualifies as an under-21 player under domestic regulations, he must be listed on ‘List A’ alongside Liverpool’s foreign stars in European competitions. This limitation left Klopp with 18 squad members vying for only 17 available spots.
Adrian’s Uncertainty at Liverpool
Adrian’s demotion from Liverpool’s European campaign reflects his diminished status at Anfield. Kelleher, highly regarded within the club, was once rumored to seek regular game time elsewhere during the summer transfer window.
However, there’s a glimmer of hope for Adrian. A UEFA loophole stipulates that in the event of long-term injuries or illnesses affecting named goalkeepers, a replacement can be called upon.
Thus, if either Alisson or Kelleher were sidelined by injury, Adrian could still find himself playing a crucial role in Europe.
UEFA vs Premier League Rules
The exclusion from the Europa League squad highlights the disparities between UEFA and Premier League regulations, forcing Klopp into a complex squad selection.
Gravenberch, along with Ben Doak, qualifies as an under-21 player domestically but falls under ‘List A’ in European competition.
Adrian’s omission from Liverpool’s Europa League squad marks a potential turning point in his career at the club.
While he may not feature in the group stage, a UEFA loophole keeps the door slightly ajar for the 36-year-old goalkeeper to make a comeback if unforeseen circumstances arise.
Klopp’s decision underscores the intricacies of navigating differing regulations and balancing a talented squad for domestic and European competitions.
Adrian’s future with Liverpool remains uncertain, with the possibility of a surprising return lingering in the background.
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