Arne Slot has dismissed speculation linking Alisson Becker with a summer exit from Liverpool, insisting the goalkeeper is solely focused on his recovery from a knee injury. The Brazilian has been linked with a move to Juventus, but Slot made clear that neither he nor the player are paying attention to the rumours.
Slot Focused on Alisson's Return
Speaking in a press conference ahead of the weekend clash with Crystal Palace, Slot said: "I am only focused on the short-term future and that is getting him back into goal as soon as possible. The answer is going to be that all these rumours that are out there about him and about probably me and about others, we don't react to rumours in this room, also not in my conversations with Richard Hughes. We only react when facts need to be told and that is not the situation at the moment."
The Liverpool manager emphasised that Alisson's priority is to return to fitness for the club he loves and then for the Brazilian national team. "The main focus for Ali is very clear, that is getting back in goal as soon as possible for the club he loves to play for and then he wants to be in goal for the country he wants to play for, that is Brazil. I think that is already the short and mid-term future," Slot added.
Potential Exodus at Anfield
If Alisson were to leave, he would become the third long-serving player to depart this summer. Mohamed Salah and Andrew Robertson have already confirmed they will end their illustrious Liverpool careers at the conclusion of the current campaign. Alisson joined Liverpool from Roma in 2018 for £67 million and has made 332 appearances for the club.
Slot also provided an update on the goalkeeper situation for the upcoming match. Giorgi Mamardashvili is out with an injury, while Alisson is close to a return. Freddie Woodman could start if Alisson is not ready. "Giorgi will definitely not be available for tomorrow and also not for the upcoming weeks. Ali is close to a return to play, so let's see if tomorrow comes too early, yes or no. And that leaves, of course, Freddie Woodman as an option, who is definitely fit," Slot said.
Liverpool are aiming to secure a Champions League spot, currently sitting fifth in the Premier League, five points clear of Brighton with five games remaining.
