It was a successful end to the season for Liverpool goalkeeper Vitezslav Jaros as he helped win the title – at the expense of new club Pepijn Lijnders.
After joining Sturm Graz on loan in January as the Austrian club’s new number 1, Jaros has enjoyed an extremely productive period.
After gaining experience in the European Conference League, the 22-year-old won the Austrian Cup in early May with a 2-1 win over Rapid Wien.
And on Sunday, Sturm Graz won 2-0 at home to Austrian side Klagenfurt to claim the Bundesliga title for the first time since 2010/11.
After finishing as runners-up in the previous two campaigns, Die Schwoazn went one better as they secured a league and cup double.
Meister 2023/24! ? #sturmgraz pic.twitter.com/sVsVSC7Bal
— SK Sturm Graz (@SKSturm) May 19, 2024
It came as they maintained a two-point lead over Red Bull Salzburg, whose own 7-1 win over LASK on the final day still left them frustrated.
Salzburg – who will welcome Liverpool assistant manager Lijnders this summer, backed by Vitor Matos – won 10 consecutive Austrian Bundesliga titles before this campaign.
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That presents a challenge for the incoming duo, who will be tasked with bringing Salzburg back to the top after a major setback.
For Jaros, lifting the Austrian Bundesliga trophy marked a fitting end to a perfect loan spell, which could now see him return to Merseyside as a first-team option.
The Czech stopper is classed as a domestic player for both the Premier League and Champions League, and could come into contention for Arne Slott if Caoimhin Kelleher departs.
Chance under the Slots in Liverpool?
His time with Sturm Graz has certainly prepared him for the step up, having made 21 appearances and made a number of vital saves.
There is even a chance he could head to Euro 2024 with the Czech Republic this summer, with manager Ivan Hašek including him in his previous squad for the March international break.
However, if the decision is made to allow Jarosz to leave Anfield, Liverpool are likely to receive plenty of interest.
After enhancing his reputation by winning the doubles with Graz’s Sturm, the young goalkeeper is in for an exciting summer.
