Liverpool look set to overhaul their goalkeeping options for a second year running with doubt continuing to shroud Alisson Becker’s future at Anfield.
Alisson has reportedly agreed a move to Juventus, and though it remains to be seen whether a transfer will transpire, it is clear that change is in the offing.
Though not everyone will be pleased to hear it, Alisson’s exit will likely mean Giorgi Mamardashvili takes on the mantle of being Liverpool‘s number one.
With Mamardashvili moving up the ladder, it rather raises the question of who will replace him as back-up. Given the difficulty of signing the right player, it seems fairly clear that Vitezslav Jaros will be the man to step up.
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Arne Slot gives a thumbs up during Liverpool's UEFA Champions League win over Marseille in the Stade Velodrome
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Vitezslav Jaros likely to become Liverpool’s back-up goalie
Jaros already has experience of Liverpool’s first-team, having made two appearances last season. The Czech did well when coming in as an in-game replacement for Alisson at Crystal Palace, while also catching the eye on his first start in the Carabao Cup.
Jaros was described as being ‘brilliant‘ during that match against Brighton, and subsequently headed out on loan to join Ajax last summer.
Initially installed as the Dutch club’s first-choice, the 24-year-old made 26 appearances before his season was ended due to a knee injury in February.
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Ajax goalkeeper Vitezslav Jaros shouts during the friendly match between Ajax and AS Monaco
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Although the injury does throw up concerns over his involvement during the early part of 26/27, Liverpool should wait for Jaros instead of signing somebody else. He has already proven himself good enough to step in when required, and it would make little sense to bring a new face in.
The injury recovery is a slight worry, but unless he is set to miss a big chunk of the campaign, this feels like an easy decision for Liverpool to make.
Are there any other candidates?
While Jaros is comfortably the best placed to step into a bigger role as back-up next season, the prospect of him missing the opening rounds of the Carabao Cup could lead to a chance for young Armin Pecsi.
Pecsi is reportedly being tracked by Sevilla ahead of a potential summer move, but it seems unlikely that Liverpool will sell him as they ponder their options.
The 21-year-old will be eyeing Alisson’s situation with intrigue, and with Jaros potentially looking for a starting role in 2027/28, he will likely be aiming for that as a perfect time to become the regular number two.
Until then, it feels unlikely that he will step up on a permanent basis, although how much he is involved may also depend on the future of Freddie Woodman.
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Alexander Isak pictured with his arms outstretched during Liverpool's Premier League match against Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. Cody Gakpo reacts during Liverpool's Premier League match against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
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Woodman is set to start in the Premier League for Liverpool against Crystal Palace on Saturday, and it remains to be seen exactly what the future holds for the 29-year-old.
Still young in goalkeeping terms, Woodman may want to become a starter once again after a year sat on the Liverpool bench. Either way, it feels unlikely that he will be given the job as number two if Alisson leaves.
Finally, Liverpool could, of course, look to the transfer market, but this would represent a big gamble. Links have emerged to James Trafford, but it seems improbable that the England international would swap the bench at Man City for the bench at Liverpool.
Other options may start to be thrown around as Alisson’s path becomes more clear, but, for now, Jaros looks easily the best bet to join Mamardashvili as Slot’s best options next season.
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