Alisson future CLEAR as Saudis 'accelerate' goalkeeper plans

Liverpool continue to experience goalkeeping uncertainty heading into the summer transfer window. With Giorgi Mamardashvili arriving once his loan spell at Valencia expires, there could be BIG changes at Anfield.

Caoimhin Kelleher seems destined to depart with the 26-year-old Ireland international seeking to become a No1 in his own right.

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Vitezslav Jaros, meanwhile, is another intriguing case with the Czech stopper seemingly putting pen to paper on a contract extension to remain third-choice.

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There have also been several links to other incoming goalkeepers, namely Moritz Nicolas and Gregor Kobel, who both play in the Bundesliga.

Alisson future in doubt

One thing is clear, Mamardashvili has not come to the club to replace Kelleher in the back-up role. The Georgian is coming to Anfield with his eyes on Alisson Becker’s starting berth.

Alisson, 32, has again reestablished his credentials as one of the best in the world this season with Liverpool closing in on the Premier League title.

However, given his age and his relatively patchy injury record of late, it’s been speculated that he too could leave.

Galatasaray and Internacional are among the teams associated with a move for Alisson while Saudi club Al-Ittihad are also credited as long-term suitors.

With the other big Saudi clubs boasting goalkeepers of international renown, it was believed that Fabinho and Karim Benzema’s side could see fit to add Alisson.

He ignored those transfer overtures last summer, instead, committing to Liverpool, and we now have an indication that the Al-Ittihad avenue is set to be closed off to Alisson once and for all.

Al-Ittihad target Ederson

That’s because Foot Mercato is reporting that Laurent Blanc’s side have got Ederson in their sights amid a massive overhaul at Manchester City.

“Ederson appears to be heading to Saudi Arabia,” says a report. “Al-Ittihad continues to accelerate and intensify negotiations to secure the services of the goalkeeper.

“Indeed, the player's agent has been with Al-Ittihad sporting director Ramon Planes in recent weeks to continue discussions.

“The Manchester City goalkeeper is a real priority for the team now coached by Laurent Blanc.”

Now of course other clubs could well commit to signing Alisson but there are very few teams who could afford the outlay. Under contract until 2027, and earning somewhere in the region of £200,000 per week, Alisson is an expensive option.

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Saudi clubs would be among the frontrunners for his signature but it looks like Al-Ittihad cannot now join the race. Let’s take this as a positive sign that Alisson stays at Anfield.