5 Possible Destinations for Jan Oblak Next Season

Every year, the summer transfer window offers fans several interesting storylines surrounding some of the best players in Europe. Be it unhappiness, lack of success or simply the desire to pursue new challenges, many players look for a change of scenery after the end of each season.

One of the hottest prospects on the market this year, particularly among goalkeepers, is Atletico Madrid's Jan Oblak. The Slovenian shot-stopper didn't qualify for the World Cup in Russia and a potential transfer could, therefore, be realized at any moment.

While Atletico Madrid has developed into one of the top teams in Europe, the 25-year-old could look for a new challenge, as he has developed into one of Europe's best goalkeepers over the past few seasons.

Should Oblak decide to ply his trade elsewhere, a lot of top clubs who are in need of a goalkeeper of his caliber would be banging on his door, as we take a look at five possible destinations for the Slovenian No. 1.

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#5 Juventus

Gianluigi Buffon's legacy at Juventus will live on forever

The Italian champions could be facing a huge squad overhaul in the coming years, with several key players closing in on the end of their careers. Juventus' average age last season was 29.2 years per player. In contrast, their main domestic rivals from Napoli boast an average age of 27.3.

One of these aging players is club legend Gianluigi Buffon, who is calling quits on his career at the Italian powerhouse, with a move to PSG seemingly done and dusted. The 40-year-old will leave a massive hole to fill and there are questions on whether current back-up Wojciech Szczesny or new signing Mattia Perin will be up to the task.

While Perin has huge potential, there are serious doubts on whether he will be able to stay fit, as the Italian goalkeeper has missed a total of 438 days due to injury in the past three years.

Signing Oblak would not only solve the immediate problem of filling the goalkeeper position, but also provide longevity that will be needed for the Northern Italians, as they slowly but surely need to get their rejuvenation process underway.

While the Old Lady is well-known for its defensive experience, the prospect of building a team around attacking centerpiece Paolo Dybala up front and Oblak at the back would be truly frightening and could cement Juventus' dominance for years to come.

#4 Real Madrid

Navas' time at Real Madrid looks to be over

In what would be a very bold move, Oblak could end up between the sticks for Atletico's arch-rivals. While this may be the most unlikely scenario, it can't be ruled out that both parties would be interested in a deal.

While moving directly from Atletico to Real would be considered a mercenary move, it's undeniable that Los Blancos are the more successful of the two Madrid teams. Should Oblak feel the desire to start winning trophies immediately, Real Madrid is the place to be.

For the three-peat European champions, Oblak would solve an issue that has been lingering at the club for several years. While the need for a goalkeeper is well-known to everyone related to the club, their seemingly endless (and so far fruitless) pursuit of Manchester United's David de Gea has been delaying the problem for years.

As Madrid's patience with De Gea wears thin, Oblak could be on a list of potential secondary targets for the European Champions, that is supposedly headed by AS Roma's goalkeeper Alisson Becker.

#3 Manchester United

Like every summer, David De Gea is linked with a possible move to Real Madrid

Last season's Premier League runners-up would certainly be an interesting option for the Slovenian goalkeeper, provided that the Red Devils are in need of a new shot-stopper. While David De Gea is United's undisputed number one, rumours about his departure to Real Madrid never fade.

Should Los Blancos finally reach an agreement with the Spaniard, it could blow the entire goalkeeping market open, as United's only reliable backup would be Sergio Romero.

The Red Devils are unlikely to let go of De Gea before reaching an agreement with a similarly skilled goalkeeper. Not many players would fit that bill, but the Slovenian is certainly one of them.

Oblak and De Gea currently lead an elite group of European goalkeepers and while De Gea's departure would undoubtedly leave giant footsteps to follow, the Rojiblancos shot-stopper would definitely be up to the task of protecting the goal of Jose Mourinho's team.

#2 Arsenal

Petr Cech is in the autumn of his career

Like Juventus, Arsenal have a lot of work to do in the transfer window. However, while the Italian champions need to rejuvenate, the London-based club simply need to bolster the quality of their squad.

Last season showed us more than ever that Arsenal are starting to lose ground on the other 'Top 6' sides. And the goalkeeping position is just one of many that need to be addressed.

The back four may be Arsenal's biggest construction site, but Petr Cech isn't getting any younger and David Ospina has proven countless times that he's not the most secure goalkeeper around.

If Arsenal truly want to restore their former glory, Oblak could be the kind of signing that could kick-start the Gunners' return to the top. Paired with some more defensive transfers, Oblak would provide Arsenal's free-flowing attack with more confidence in their backline.

Arsenal and Oblak could be a perfect fit, provided the Slovenian is prepared to ditch Atletico Madrid for a club that needs to rebuild a bit before regaining their status as a title challenger in the Premier League.

#1 Liverpool

Loris Karius' Champions League performance will be remembered for all the wrong reasons

Liverpool fans have endured a lot of pain due to goalkeeping issues in the past years and their current goalkeeping situation is similar to arch-rivals United's after Peter Schmeichel left the club.

However, the Reds are still looking for their own Edwin van der Sar, who will elevate the club to the very top of the game and solve the problem that has been present since the departure of Pepe Reina in 2013.

Liverpool have the tools to challenge for the title, assuming they can somehow retain the services of Mohamed Salah, and a goalkeeper of Oblak's quality would not only increase their chances of silverware, but also of keeping players of the Egyptian's calibre.

Oblak, on the other hand, would be joining a team with tremendous potential for short-term success. The Reds are highly interested in the Slovenian goalkeeper but could stumble over the huge asking price of Atletico.

While the release clause of £87 million may be very high, a goalkeeper of Oblak's quality is very rare and, at 25 years of age, could provide a fantastic long-term solution for a position that has been causing fans nightmares.