Liverpool’s goalkeeping situation is set for a dramatic shakeup this summer, but fans can breathe a sigh of relief as Alisson Becker has no plans to depart.
The Brazilian goalkeeper, often hailed as one of the world’s best, has rebuffed previous lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia, according to James Pearce of The Athletic.
“Alisson came out and said that it wasn’t his plan (to leave0 and he still intended to see out the contract that he’s got, which is effectively two years this summer,” Pearce said on the Walk On podcast.
This stance is crucial as Liverpool prepare for the arrival of Giorgi Mamardashvili, who is expected to join from Valencia for a transfer fee of around 35 million euros.
Despite Mamardashvili’s imminent arrival, Alisson, at 32, remains Liverpool’s first-choice goalkeeper. His decision to stay complicates the pecking order, especially with Irish goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher also in the mix.
Kelleher has publicly expressed his desire for first-team football, stating, “I was quite clear [last summer] that I wanted to play first-team football, whether that was here or elsewhere. I wanted to be a No 1,” in an interview with the Daily Telegraph last December.
Kelleher’s ambitions might lead him away from Liverpool, with clubs like Newcastle, Chelsea, and even promotion-chasing Leeds showing interest.
His potential departure would simplify the goalkeeping dynamics at Liverpool but leave them to address the roles of Alisson and Mamardashvili.
The incoming Georgian goalkeeper, standing at 6ft 6in, might either challenge Alisson for the No.1 spot or be loaned out again for further development, considering Alisson’s contract extends for another two years, with one as an option.
Meanwhile, the transfer market buzz isn’t limited to goalkeepers. Liverpool have been linked with Chelsea’s young defender Malo Gusto, seen as a potential long-term replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose future at Liverpool is under speculation due to interest from Real Madrid.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has urged the club to make significant signings this summer to maintain their competitive edge.
As Liverpool navigate these complex squad decisions, the focus will be on how they manage their goalkeeping talent, ensuring both immediate success and future stability in the position.
