Image for Concern for Iraola: Huge claim over future of “absolutely outstanding” Liverpool hero
Image for Concern for Iraola: Huge claim over future of “absolutely outstanding” Liverpool hero
Alisson’s future at Liverpool has been a significant talking point in recent months, and now a new update has dropped that may concern Andoni Iraola.
The 33-year-old was exceptional for the Reds in their 1-0 victory away to Bournemouth last weekend, making one of the best saves of his career before Alexander Isak scored the only goal of the game.
Alisson was clearly in good spirits after the match, assessing Liverpool’s win positively, saying: “Really important [win]. I think every Premier League match away from home is tough to play. You have to fight a lot [and] this afternoon wasn’t different for us.
“It wasn’t the cleanest performance I think we had, but those games, if you don’t play so well and then you still win it, keep the clean sheet, I think this brings confidence for the team for the rest of the season as well.”
Alisson is now in the final year of his current Liverpool deal, as is also the case of Virgil van Dijk, so there is the potential for huge change at Anfield in 2027.
According to TEAMtalk, the Reds are “not yet in discussions over a new contract” for the Brazilian, with “formal talks are unlikely to begin until later in the year.”
It is claimed that “club officials are understood to be taking a measured approach” to the situation, but there is a “growing sense” that this could be Alisson’s final season in a Liverpool shirt.
Liverpool have to seal new contract for Alisson
Alisson may be approaching his 34th birthday, and Van Dijk may now be 35 years of age, but the pair remain vital for Liverpool and have some years left in them, with the former once called “absolutely outstanding” by Jurgen Klopp.
The Reds’ No.1 has started this season in impressive form, looking more consistent and focused than he was last term, which is only natural after the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.
Modern goalkeepers can play well into their 30s, if not until their early 40s, so there is no reason why Alisson can’t continue for a long time, despite some injury problems creeping in.
The Brazil international is an iconic player in his position, with Rio Ferdinand hailing his incredible performance against Paris Saint-Germain in 2024/25:
“It’s the most saves he’s ever made in a game for Liverpool. The great thing about it is, those saves and moments in this game, many of them were very difficult – he made them look so easy. That’s the sign of a top class goalkeeper. He’s not about frills and making outrageous moments in games. He does what needs to be done at the right times and he puts points on the board for his team.”
Losing Alisson next year would be a massive blow, considering he remains irreplaceable, and with all due respect to Giorgi Mamardashvili, he doesn’t look to be at the level required to be his successor.
Hopefully, a new short-term extension is agreed in the next few months, meaning the Reds don’t have to deal with a major personnel headache for a while yet.