In the context of Liverpool’s recent desire to rip things up and start again, it is perhaps a surprise that they are so determined to keep hold of Alisson Becker this summer.
This time last year, the Reds waved farewell to Trent Alexander-Arnold, Luis Diaz, Caoimhin Kelleher and Jarell Quansah among others, and the exits are now continuing with Mo Salah, Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson on the way out.
Why, then, is Alisson any different? Particularly with Juventus sniffing around, ready to help Liverpool cash in.
Started35
As Sub0
Unused1
Clean Sheets13
Goals Conceded37
Total Apps35
The fact is, the case to wave goodbye to the Brazilian is clearly there, given the last season saw him make his fewest Premier League appearances since signing for the club (26).
And that is down to persistent muscle issues that it is hard to imagine clearing up with the Brazil international closing in on his 34th birthday.
Why Liverpool are keeping hold of Alisson
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, January 31, 2026: Liverpool's goalkeeper Alisson Becker celebrates his side scoring their first and equalising goal during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Newcastle United FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
With all that considered, you might think Richard Hughes and Co. would be enthusiastically engaging in negotiations with Juventus in the hopes of raising funds from an ageing star.
Yet, the biggest difference between the aforementioned departees and Alisson is that, when it comes to the goalkeeper, the Reds have little confidence in what might come next.
For example, Yan Diomande is being pursued to take up Salah’s spot and there is major faith he can thrive at Anfield, while Milos Kerkez has already shown he has the potential to fill Robertson’s shoes with a little more experience.
However, that is not quite the case for Alisson’s supposed successor, Giorgi Mamardashvili, who is yet to provide convincing evidence that he should take the gloves in the long term.
Giorgi Mamardashvili arguably isn’t ready to replace Alisson
ISTANBUL, TURKEY - Tuesday, September 30, 2025: Liverpool's goalkeeper substitutes Freddie Woodman, Alisson Becker and Giorgi Mamardashvili during the pre-match warm-up before the UEFA Champions League match between Galatasaray A.?. and Liverpool FC at the Ali Sami Yen Stadium. Galatasaray won 1-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Of course, one would imagine that the Georgian’s weakness with the ball at his feet has not come as a surprise to those who put in the legwork to sign him, with that perhaps being viewed as something that can be mitigated in a better-functioning team.
Yet Mamardashvili has thus far failed to impress in other areas, too, performing worse than Alisson last season in terms of clean sheets, goals conceded, goals prevented and high claims on a per-90 basis.
With that in mind, and with the squad set to be hit by mass turnover for a second season in a row, it makes sense to try and retain one of the most reliable performers of recent years.
Even amid the fitness issues, Alisson has made saves that defy belief this season, including most recently on the final day, denying Brentford’s Kevin Schade from close range.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, September 17, 2025: Liverpool's goalkeeper Alisson Becker during the UEFA Champions League match between Liverpool FC and Atletico Madrid FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Liverpool are betting on us seeing more of those moments next term, and that they will help smooth the transition to life under Andoni Iraola.
Another injury-hit campaign, however, and the Reds’ recruitment staff will be left wishing they had not postponed sorting out the long-term future of the goalkeeper position, even with so much to do this summer.
Best moment: A fantastic save with his right leg on the final day of the season that reminded us all of why he is the exception.
Worst moment: Not a moment per se, but just the constant injuries that plagued his season.
Role next season: Hopefully, he will be the goalkeeper for every Premier League and Champions League match, injury permitting.