Championship loan to provide young goalkeeper with opportunity to push into first team at Liverpool

July 16, 2019

By James Miller – @JimmyMiller2608

Liverpool youngster Kamil Grabara has seized an opportunity to test himself at first team level, securing a move to Huddersfield Town, recently relegated from the Premier League.

Following a dismal campaign in the top flight, the Terriers are now preparing for life back in the Championship. Now that last season’s first choice goalkeeper Jonas Lossl has departed on a free transfer, the club have been in the market for a suitable replacement.

Grabara does very much suit what Jan Siewert appears to be implementing at the John Smith’s Stadium, with young talents seemingly high on the German’s agenda as he looks to build for the future in West Yorkshire.

The Pole is his sixth signing so far this summer, whilst also the youngest at just 20. Of the half-a-dozen Siewert has recruited, only Tommy Elphick – signed from Aston Villa – is over the age of 24.

Early suggestions are that Grabara will be in competition with Ben Hamer and Joel Coleman, both of whom have made little impressions as of yet at the club, something which stands him in good stead when it comes to getting game time next season.

In terms of moving forward as a Liverpool player, the former Polish youth international has signed a contract extension with the club, committing to a long-term deal once his season at Huddersfield concludes.

Moving forward, the competition provided by the multiple Golden Glove-winner in Alisson Becker at Liverpool provides a much sterner test than what can be offered at the John Smith’s. However, there is a possibility that a potential opening maybe on the horizon for Grabara.

Jurgen Klopp as things stand has two fine options at his disposal with Alisson alongside the competitive Simon Mignolet. A model professional, while also an excellent goalkeeper in his own right, the Belgian has nothing short of inspiring for the Reds, both on and off the field.

It would be fair to say that Mignolet has made some errors whilst at the club, but the manner in which he has handled himself as a professional – with the addition of his ability between the sticks – possibly lowers the chances of him opting to remain second choice for much longer.

It may well be the perfect timing for Grabara to look for some experience in England, increasing his value to the club and preparing himself to possibly take over as Alisson’s understudy, should the current No.2 decide to move on to pastures new.

There can be no question that Mignolet has served the club well since joining from Sunderland in 2013. Perhaps it would be a suitable move for all parties if the Belgian can commit to the club for one more year while the young Pole can gain vital experience in the second tier.

Should Grabara perform well during his spell in the Championship next season, it would make sense to nurture the young academy product further into the first team setup, allowing him to learn from a man who could be argued is the world’s best – Alisson.