Manchester United’s search for a goalkeeper continues despite signing Anders Lindegaard.
There have been a plethora of names suggested to pick up where Van Der Sar leaves off upon his retirement, the likes of Neuer, De Gea, Lloris are all highly touted by Transfer Muppets across the land whilst Asenjo, Buffon and Akinfeev are also being pushed but funnily, Rene Adler hasn’t really been included in that list.
Of course his name has been mentioned, mainly by those of us who have been made aware of his prowess via the mediums of Football Manager, YouTube and all these other media sources that have allowed us to become armchair scouts without actually seeing these people play but is his name a worthy inclusion?
Germany have a history of top goalkeepers from the likes of Neuer and Butt playing now to the likes of Oliver Khan, Sepp Maier and Bodo Illgner of yesteryear and I don’t think Adler bucks this trend. Apparently he was a target of ours in his youth but thought it would be better to remain in Germany and it is a decision that has paid off for him.
Germany’s first choice goalkeeper going into the World Cup until he sustained a rib injury, Adler has had a solid career thus far. At just 25 he has cemented his place as Leverkusen’s #1 a position he has held after making his first team debut in 2007. Looking around it appears that his strengths are his presence despite not being massive for a goalkeeper (6 Ft 2/3) as well as good reflexes and aerial ability.
There has been an increase in rumours about him being a United target and the Daily Mail have reported (unbelievably) that he has a clause in his current contract (which expires in 2012) that allows him to walk out on Leverkusen for Manchester United specifically if they offer Leverkusen the price they require. Quotes taken from Leverkusen’s managing director, Wolfgang Holzhauser, apparently confirm this as he said:
“It is an escape clause with a difference, because it only refers to one club. If United offer a certain amount, we have to let Rene go. He has always supported them, and he wanted to make sure the door was open, should they come calling. I know they have watched him quite a few times, so it may be difficult for us.”
In missing out on the World Cup whilst many of us missed out on a ‘scouting opportunity’ and he himself may have fallen behind Neuer in the pecking order as Germany’s #1 this may actually work in our favour as his price would have inevitably risen had he shone in South Africa.
There is much made of the supposed competition between him and Neuer but realistically healthy competition is never a bad thing and with Adler slightly behind him it could provide the impetus to make him reclaim his position as Germany’s premier goalkeeper.
Mark this one down as hopefully!
Obligatory YouTube video:
good post