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Simon Mignolet closing in on Liverpool exit

| 04 August 2019

Simon Mignolet closing in on Liverpool exit

The Belgium international is returning to his homeland in search of first-team football.

Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet is set to end his six-year stay at the club after a deal was struck for him to join Club Brugge.

The Belgium international is returning to his homeland for an initial fee of £6.4million, which could potentially rise to £8.2m with add-ons, PA understands.

Mignolet lost his place first to Loris Karius and, when the German was offloaded to Besiktas on loan after a nightmare Champions League final, to Alisson Becker after the Brazil international's £65m arrival last summer.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp had wanted goalkeeper Simon Mignolet to remain at the club — Liverpool manager **Jurgen Klopp** had wanted goalkeeper Simon Mignolet to remain at the club (John Walton/PA)

After featuring just twice last season in cup matches the 31-year-old, an unused substitute for the FA Community Shield defeat to Manchester City, told manager Jurgen Klopp when he returned for pre-season training he wanted first-team football.

Klopp wanted him to stay and initially rejected the idea he could leave but the goalkeeper's wish has now been granted.

Mignolet flew to Belgium after leaving Wembley on Sunday evening and his move to Brugge is expected to be completed on Monday.

Liverpool will look to sign an experienced replacement as cover for Becker before the close of the transfer window on Thursday.