Alisson’s Liverpool Future In Doubt Amid Galatasaray Interest And Goalkeeping Shake-Up
Liverpool face a defining moment this summer as speculation swirls around the future of long-standing No.1 Alisson Becker, just as the club prepares for fierce title battles and a period of significant transition at Anfield. With talks reportedly underway between Alisson and Galatasaray, and the incoming Giorgi Mamardashvili set to turn up the competition, Liverpool's goalkeeping hierarchy is under the spotlight at a critical juncture in the club's evolution.
Since arriving in 2018, Alisson has been a rock at the back and played a pivotal role in Liverpool's Champions League and Premier League triumphs. Even as injuries have offered understudy Caoimhin Kelleher more minutes and enhancement to his reputation, the Brazilian’s elite performances—especially at the European stage—have continually underscored his immense value.
Yet, change appears to be on the horizon. Giorgi Mamardashvili, the highly rated Georgian keeper from Valencia, is expected on Merseyside this summer and the expectation is he'll seriously challenge for the top spot. This scenario is already prompting Kelleher to seek opportunities elsewhere for more regular football, as the club’s depth chart prepares for a reshuffle.
While Anfield legend Alisson has a contract until 2026 with an extension option, interest from Saudi Arabia last summer—and now Galatasaray’s reported discussions about his signing—signal his immense market value. Turkish outlet Sabah reports that Galatasaray, on the lookout for Fernando Muslera’s successor, have ramped up their pursuit for the 32-year-old. Despite these overtures, Alisson himself has recently reaffirmed his commitment to Liverpool:
“Yes, there was interest,” he admitted regarding Middle Eastern attention. “But I have a contract and I want to honour my contract, or make a new one. I am really happy here. My family is happy. ... At the end of the day, you play football for love. ... I am open to that personally—but not now. Now is not the time. I am really focused on the things we have here at Liverpool.”
Nevertheless, with the club’s long-term planning in focus and Mamardashvili’s arrival imminent, even someone as indispensable as Alisson may not be immune to change. If Liverpool choose to cash in or reshuffle, it would mark a symbolic end to an era that began with Jurgen Klopp’s initial squad overhaul.
The uncertainty around Alisson isn’t happening in isolation. Liverpool are simultaneously grappling with key contract expirations for Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Club legend Robbie Fowler has publicly urged Liverpool to bring in Micky van de Ven as a replacement for van Dijk, stating, “If you’re not out there signing good players then you’re slipping behind the competition ... I think [van de Ven] would look right in a Liverpool shirt.”
Manager Arne Slot, set for his second summer at Liverpool, is also facing the challenge of keeping his side focused after a poor run that includes Champions League elimination and domestic setbacks. Slot, however, is buoyed by the news that Alisson is close to returning from concussion, reinforcing his squad for a critical Premier League fixture against West Ham. "There’s a week to go [until the next match], so that gives us a bit of time. But the protocol is the protocol; if you haven’t ticked all the boxes, he can’t be in goal. He wants it a lot," Slot told BBC Sport.
With the pressure mounting on and off the pitch, Liverpool supporters are left pondering: is this the summer their iconic goalkeeper bids farewell, or will Alisson resist the continental overtures and remain the cornerstone of the Reds’ ambitions? Which direction should the club pursue as they look to re-establish their domestic and European dominance?
What do you think about the prospect of Alisson leaving Liverpool? Could Mamardashvili fill his gloves, or should the Reds keep faith with their Brazilian talisman? Share your thoughts and join the discussion in the comments!
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