Liverpool may well have four keepers with top-flight experience on their books for the start of next season. According to many reports Villareal’s Jose Reina is coming to join up with the European Champions. One of the reasons Liverpool are European Champions is thanks to the performance of Jerzy Dudek in the final of the Champions League. Jerzy was one of three goalkeepers used by Liverpool on their way to that fifth European Champions title – Chris Kirkland and Scott Carson the other two.
If Liverpool do sign Reina, and the quoted fee is £6million, he’s not likely to be left on the bench. Pre-season training and fixtures will see all four keepers fight for the right to play for the Reds. Reinan himself is confident he can get job of guarding the Reds goal. He says, "If I end up signing for Liverpool it is because they want to sign me and want me to play – the question of starting places is for the boss.
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Dudek has made sure that whatever happens to him he’ll always be a hero at Anfield now – and Reina is well aware of that: "You have to earn your place. I am going there to work and to win my place – and win over the fans."
Reina’s current club Villarreal finished third in La Liga, getting a place in the Champions League as a result. This was a big achievement for the club, and Reina says: "It has been a tremendous year. I think I have completed a chapter, a very important period in my career at Villarreal. But ask any player and they say the most important thing is to keep improving both in terms of ability and finances.
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The reports say that the deal is almost done, just a case of clearing up a few formalities before Reina joins the Reds, but it’s getting difficult for the keeper: "I have to be patient to see the talks come to fruition but I am not having any trouble sleeping at night. I am very relaxed about it all. Just playing for Liverpool will be good enough for me."
As far as Dudek’s concerned though Reina might well join the Reds, but the Pole isn’t planning to vacate his place between the sticks. Dudek is on duty for Poland this weekend and told the Polish press that he’s no intention of leaving Anfield. He said: "With this medal around my neck I cannot imagine I would have to leave this club. With that final I fulfilled many people’s expectations of me and for sure that will in some way be remembered. Now I think nothing is impossible."