With Liverpool ‘keeper Pepe Reina’s future seemingly lying away from Merseyside, the Spaniard has decided to focus on this summers World Cup in Brazil before discussing where he’ll be playing football next season.
The experienced shot stopper won the Copa Italia while on loan at Italian side Napoli last season and though former Reds boss Rafa Benitez is thought to be keen on retaining his services in Naples, there’s a good possibility that a permanent deal will hit the skids if he doesn’t lower his wage demands. Currently, Reina is one of the best paid ‘keepers in Europe and though he would like to keep it that way, he may need to re-consider as his options continue to dry up.
The ‘keeper has been named in Spain’s 30-man provisional squad for this summers showpiece event and is expected to make the final 23-man list, leaving him with matters besides club football to worry about. “Right now I am just thinking about the national team,” he told Cadena SER. “With regards to a new club, first I’ll have to talk with Liverpool.”
The Spaniard has been constantly linked with a return to Spain with both Barcelona and Champions League runners-up Atletico Madrid thought to have a keen interest in signing up the 31-year old, but recent developments have all but scuppered a move to the Camp Nou. “There’s been nothing from Barcelona. They have only just bought Ter Stegen – so that position is filled” he explained. “And I haven’t been in contact with Atletico Madrid. Anyway, I’m sure there’ll be desperate to keep hold of Courtois.”
Reds boss Brendan Rodgers is thought to be looking to raise at least £30mil through player sales this summer and Reina could prove to be a big chunk of that if he can find a buyer for the want-away shot stopper.
