Liverpool’s recruitment chiefs are purportedly drawing up contingency plans for life without Alisson Becker if interest is to develop in his services from potential suitors this summer.
The 31-year-old has been an integral member of the Reds squad since making the move to Anfield from AS Roma in the summer of 2018. Since then, he has established himself as one of the club’s greatest ever goalkeepers, winning practically ever major honor available as a mainstay under Jurgen Klopp.
However, as the Merseysiders prepare for a new era without the German manager at the helm in the 2024-25 campaign, it looks as though clubs may be looking to test the club’s resolve when it comes to their No. 1. That is according to HITC, who have claimed that Alisson is in-demand in Saudi Arabia, with this coming amid interest from outfits in the Gulf State in fellow Brazilian Ederson Moraes of Manchester City too.
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With ex-Liverpool stalwarts Jordan Henderson, Roberto Firmino and Fabinho having made the move to the Middle East only last year, the path to the Saudi Pro League is well trodden. In this vein, the report contends that Reds chiefs are already weighing up potential replacements for Alisson this summer, with Real Madrid’s Andriy Lunin among those mentioned.
Having made 263 appearances at Anfield during a memorable six seasons in the Kop goal, it remains to be seen whether the ex-Roma player’s head would be turned by the opportunity for a fresh challenge. Either way, Alisson has spoken positively about the prospect of lining up for new head coach Arne Slot next season.
Speaking following the departure of Klopp from his post, the Brazilian goalkeeper confessed that life will feel different without his former boss but he embraced the new era, vowing: “Now we have a huge challenge in front of us, change of manager, we don’t know too much about him but I’m sure he’ll work a lot to put his mentality across.”
“He knows we’re the kind of players who want to win trophies, be competitive,” he continued, as he appeared give Slot his seal of approval. “Nothing is guaranteed in the Premier League, you have to be competitive, you have to be at the top and perform in a way that you can achieve things.”
With the future of back-up goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher uncertain this summer, the Dutch coach and the Reds’ recruitment staff will be tasked with deciding whether to cash in on the Irishman this summer. Football Insider claimed that the academy graduate is eager to leave in the coming months in search of regular game time.
Speaking as part of his first interview following his appointment, Slot confirmed that he will work alongside sporting director Richard Hughes on transfer matters moving forward. He said: “Me and Richard are going to work together when it comes to transfers but not only the two of us – there is a big backroom staff included in this as well.
“I think for me it is the way I have worked always and it for me is the ideal way of working because I can use the most of my time by working with the team and the time that is left will probably be a bit for the family and a bit to talk with Richard about how we can strengthen the team. But we already have a really strong team.”