Alisson Becker’s confidence will be through the roof ahead of Liverpool’s match with Southampton on Saturday.
The Reds shot-stopper is looking to make it three clean sheets in a row in the Premier League against the Saints and the likelihood of that is high after the Brazilian’s heroics this week.
Liverpool were 1-0 winner over PSG on Wednesday in the Champions League and Arne Slot had Alisson to thank for that result.
Peter Schmeichel labelled Alisson’s performance as “one of the best goalkeeping displays” he had ever seen, which is very high praise from a legend who knows the position so well.
Thierry Henry would also join in when it came to giving the Liverpool goalkeeper his flowers as the former Arsenal star compared Alisson to Champions League greats Petr Cech and Thibaut Courtois.
Despite the 32-year-old’s PSG heroics, there is doubt over his Liverpool future, with it being possible that the Brazil international ends his Anfield career this summer.
Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images
Saudi Arabia move still on the cards for Alisson Becker
Alisson was linked with a move to Saudi Arabia last summer as Saudi Pro League clubs have held a long-term interest in the Brazilian star.
The 32-year-old would opt against a move but according to David Lynch, a transfer to the Middle East is not off of the table this summer with the goalkeeper’s contract at Anfield expiring in 2027.
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“I just think he’s a really interesting story to look at at the moment because so much is up in the air about what happens with Alisson,” Lynch told Anfield Index.
“He obviously decided quite early last summer that he wasn’t going to make the move to Saudi but just because it was off the table last summer doesn’t mean that that is something that’s off the table completely.
“I think he was very much sign up for another year and let’s see what happens. We’ll keep Claudio Taffarel around for you and kind of go from there.”
“Obviously it’s going really well and he’s played well, but there’s a lot of external factors. What does Saudi come back to him with this summer? What kind of money are they offering? Is he at that point ready to go, particularly if he wins at another Premier League?
“Is that a natural point to bookend his Anfield career? The player’s wish needs to come into it. He also knows Mamardashvili is coming, so there’s a few things up in the air.”
Liverpool signed Giorgi Mamardashvili last summer before sending the 24-year-old back to Valencia for the 2024/25 campaign.
The Georgian star is viewed as Liverpool’s long-term goalkeeper once Alisson leaves and with both at Anfield next season, Slot does not see that being a problem.
Arne Slot clarifies Liverpool goalkeeper situation
Marmardashvili did not move to Liverpool this season because of Alisson and it will be interesting to see the dynamics between the goalkeepers when the 24-year-old arrives on Merseyside.
The Georgian is expected to learn under Alisson for a season before eventually taking over in 2026, with Slot stating in his press conference on Friday that the Brazilian doesn’t need competition to motivate himself.
“He has great competition with Caoimhin Kelleher now as well. If that is what drives him, then maybe it helps him to have such a good number two behind him. But I don’t think he needs that,” the Liverpool boss said.
“He is a top professional, like all the others. They know what it means to wear this shirt. You have to bring in top performances, otherwise you can’t play for this club.”
The situation of Alisson is a very interesting one heading into the 2025/26 campaign as it is uncertain if Mamardashvili will disrupt harmony as the Georgian will have the desire to play.
This will come into Alisson’s thinking this summer and if a mega offer from Saudi Arabia arrives, who knows what the 32-year-old will decide to do having seen his friends Roberto Firmino and Fabinho already make that move.