Liverpool face a significant decision this summer regarding the future of their Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson. Arne Slot has stopped short of confirming that the 33-year-old will remain at Anfield next season, raising questions about whether moving on would be sensible.
The Current Situation
Alisson has been a reliable presence in Liverpool's goal for eight years, but his hamstring injuries have become a concern. The club triggered a one-year contract extension in March, yet uncertainty lingers. His agent was spotted in Turin, and Juventus are reportedly interested in signing him as an upgrade on Michele di Gregorio, though no formal contact has been made.
Slot, when asked about Alisson's future, preferred to focus on the goalkeeper's recovery from injury. "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," he said. "I think that is already the short- and mid-term future."
Leadership and Experience
Alisson's unruffled temperament and character have been valued by both Jurgen Klopp and Slot. With vice-captain Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah leaving, Alisson was expected to take on more leadership duties as Virgil van Dijk's deputy. However, Slot gave a non-committal answer when asked if Alisson's experience would be even more important next season. "Well, that is your opinion and I will bring that opinion to the ownership and to Richard [Hughes, the director of football]," he countered. "The club is run in a certain way and we make decisions that the club thinks are in the best interests of the club. ... [Experience] is definitely one argument to keep him but there are other arguments."
The Mamardashvili Factor
Liverpool signed Giorgi Mamardashvili for £25 million as a long-term successor. The Georgian has impressed in his 18 outings this season, including a standout performance against Paris Saint-Germain. While Alisson remains a top-five goalkeeper in the world, Mamardashvili is not yet at that level. Slot hinted that there are times to turn to the future, but the question remains: is Mamardashvili good enough to be the long-term number one?
Financial Considerations
This summer is Liverpool's last chance to receive a transfer fee for Alisson, as his contract expires in 2027. However, an injury-prone 33-year-old on high wages may not command a significant sum. Juventus are known for lowball offers and may not match his salary. Liverpool have the highest wage bill in the Premier League, and with Salah leaving, reducing costs could be a priority. Alisson's wages, along with those of Robertson, Van Dijk, Alexander Isak, and Florian Wirtz, are among the highest at the club.
There has long been speculation that Alisson would return to Brazil when he leaves Anfield, potentially in 2027. But Slot's refusal to guarantee his goalkeeper's presence next season has added to the uncertainty. As Klopp once sang to the tune of Queen's Radio Ga Ga, "all you need is Alisson Becker." Now Liverpool must decide if that remains true.
