Liverpool transfers: Alisson 'open' to Saudi switch amid transfer bid reports
Liverpool’s resolve will be tested in this summer’s transfer window with Alisson Becker now being targetted by clubs in the Saudi Pro League.
That’s according to the Telegraph, which claims SPL sides are plotting ANOTHER summer of spending having spent close to £1bn in the window last year.
Alisson, Brazil teammate Ederson, Kevin De Bruyne, Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes are among the high-profile Premier League names detailed in the report, as the SPL seeks to add up to 10 new stars.
Most pressing for the Reds will be the interest surrounding Alisson although there could well be more bids for Mohamed Salah further down the line.
Alisson Becker 'open' to Saudi move
The 31-year-old is under contract at Anfield until 2027 but a significant bid would be hard to resist, with sources also indicating that the goalkeeper WOULD be open to a departure should an attractive offer materialse.
He currently earns over £200,000 per week on Merseyside.
It’s believed the weather is a factor in Alisson’s thinking, with it recognised that his family is having a hard time living with the British climate.
The Brazil No.1 would be open to a move to sunnier climes, and Saudi Arabia is unique in the sense that its clubs can actually afford a deal, something Alisson is aware of.
While clubs in Serie A or elsewhere would dearly love to have Alisson considering his status as one of the best keepers in the world, his long contract and high transfer value make deals for most European clubs all but impossible.
Al-Ittihad shopping for new No.1
Although not named in the report, there are indications that Al-Ittihad could well seek a high-profile No.1 for next season.
Space could well be made in the foreign player quota by moving on Karim Benzema or Jota in the summer window, both of whom have been linked with moves away from Jeddah.
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen of Barcelona is also a goalkeeper linked with Al-Ittihad.
Next season SPL teams will be allowed to have 10 foreign players in the squad although two of them must be aged 21 or younger.
All change in Liverpool's goalkeeping department
Alisson has suffered from injury problems this term with deputy Caoimhin Kelleher managing over 25 appearances for the first time in his Anfield career.
It could be a summer of significant change in the Liverpool goalkeeping department. Long-serving coach John Achterberg is leaving after 15 years, as well as another coach Jack Robinson, and interest in both Alisson and Kelleher with third-choice Adrian out of contract.
The Reds have been linked with Villarreal No.1 Filip Jorgensen, Southampton's Alex McCarthy, Burnley’s James Trafford and Sunderland’s highly-rated Anthony Patterson.