Alisson Becker changed everything at Liverpool, and his exit could change everything again. He’s become best in class, and yet his name is seldom mentioned. What does the future hold for the Liverpool Icon as his contract approaches the 2027 deadline and have Liverpool already signed his replacement.
Most Expensive Goalkeeper in History
When a goalkeeper makes the news, it’s typically caused by calamitous error leading to goal.
Alisson Becker has done a remarkable job at staying out of the news for the wrong reasons.
The Brazilian joined Liverpool on July 19th 2018, for £66.8m.
This made him at the time, the most expensive Goalkeeper in history.
If Football fans had any doubts over the price tag, they were soon to be brushed aside.
Scars from the Past
Liverpool fans have not been blessed with incredible Goalkeepers over the past decade.
Names such as Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius stand out.
They were good players who showed professionalism in their tenures at the club.
Unfortunately, they were simply too susceptible to individual error, lacking composure and ability on the ball.
At a club like Liverpool, who are supposed to be competing for the highest honours. That is unacceptable.
Then came Alisson Becker.
Early Errors and Immediate Improvements
In his 4th game for the club, Liverpool were playing Leicester away at the King Power.
After a strong start to his LFC career, Alisson received the ball on the edge of the box.
He attempted to play through Kelechi Iheanacho who was actively pressing the Brazilian international. He was dispossessed in poor fashion and Liverpool subsequently conceded.
Ultimately, The Reds won the game 2-1. His error didn’t cost points which helped ease the pressure on then 25 year old newcomer.
A lucky break for a goalkeeper Liverpool fans were desperate to see succeed.
When Alisson faced the media, his honesty was endearing:
I’m angry I made a mistake that put the team in a difficult situation.
I’m not going to be stupid and make the same mistake. We have to learn from our mistakes
Alisson Becker has kept his word ever since.
The Perfect Modern-Day Goalkeeper
With 293 appearances at the time of writing, 127 being clean sheets, it could not have gone any better for Alisson Becker at Anfield.
He is in many ways, the perfect modern-day Goalkeeper.
His shot-stopping and reflexes are exceptional. His imposing nature in 1v1 situations is feared by opponents. And crucially, his distribution is some of the best in the world.
Composure on the ball has become a key attribute for possession based sides in modern football.
Liverpool were transitioning from Klopp’s early ‘Heavy Metal Football’, to a more controlled possession style that would ultimately lead the Reds to their first Premier League title in 30 years.
The ability to trust Alisson in build-up play was a key moment in Klopp’s plans.
It changed the way Liverpool played, which led to both Domestic and European Glory.
Key Moments leading to Silverware
That Napoli save. It led to some of the best moments Liverpool fans have ever experienced.
The extraordinary 4-0 Barcelona turnaround at Anfield and Champions League Glory were to follow.
Presence of Mind in the Crucial Moments
92nd minute, Liverpool are 1-0 up in the final group stage game. Victory is crucial to progression.
The ball drops to Arkadiusz Milik who is 1v1 with the Goalkeeper.
Alisson charges out and blocks the powerful effort with his body.
Full time: Anfield erupts, the players embrace around Alisson.
Goalkeepers rarely get their dues, Alisson Becker certainly earned his that night.
A save is one of many for Alisson that led to history. Trophies being added to the cabinet of Liverpool Football Club
Close to Departure with Jurgen Klopp
With Jurgen Klopp announcing his departure, many of the coaching staff followed suit.
Alisson has spoken many times on his personal bond with Jurgen Klopp, who put faith in the German speaking Brazilian and led him to the heights of his career.
He was the guy who provided all of this, being able to experience everything I’ve experienced in recent years in football, reaching this high level, getting to where I am, achieving what I’ve achieved.
He was the guy who opened the doors for me, because Liverpool gave me these achievements
The situation brought Alisson close to an exit.
John Achterberg, who departed alongside Klopp in the summer, later disclosed the key reason Alisson decided to stay.
Achterberg stated that had Liverpool not kept former Brazil National team Keeper, Claudio Taffarel as Goalkeeping Coach, Alisson would have joined him in departure.
That’s how close it came. Luckily for Liverpool fans, they got to experience the continuation of Alisson’s Anfield career.
2024/25: Incredible Performances and Injury Concerns
Alisson Becker’s performances this year have matched some of his career best.
His 9 save shutout against PSG in the first leg was the reason Liverpool avoided heavy defeat that night in Paris.
His immense quality is still there. 32 years of age, many would argue the prime years for a Goalkeeper.
His injury record however, is starting to raise concerns.
Lengthy Spells of Absence
Alisson has missed a total of 127 days through injury during the 2024–25 season.
The list of injuries includes:
- March 21 – April 7, 2025: Concussion (18 days)
- October 18 – December 19, 2024: Hamstring injury (63 days)
- October 5 – November 10, 2024: Hamstring injury (37 days)
- September 18 – September 26, 2024: Thigh problems (9 days)
Liverpool fortunate to have Caoimhin Kelleher
Labelled by many ‘The Best Number Two in the League‘, Kelleher has been a more than admirable deputy in times of injury for Alisson Becker.
Without a competent deputy like Caoimhin Kelleher, Liverpool would have lost points at key moments in the season.
It is likely that Liverpool would not have had the Premier League success that we are witnessing without the Irishman.
Liverpool Planning for Life after Alisson Becker
A topic that comes with it’s controversy.
The thought of even having to replace the best Goalkeeper Liverpool have had in decades brings a certain distaste.
Alisson Becker is contracted until 2027. Most would expect a new deal, but have the Reds already signed his replacement?
Giorgi Mamardashvili
Last summer Liverpool signed then 23 year old Giorgi Mamardashvili for £25m.
He was immediately loaned back to Valencia, where he’s had a ‘quieter’ season compared to his breakout the year prior.
Standing at 6’6″, his sheer stature is impressive. It is yet to be seen if he possesses the other attributes required of a top Goalkeeper.
What this signing represents is more important. The Liverpool have started planning for life after Alisson Becker.
Alisson Becker: Certainty in Performance, Uncertainty in Future
Only time will tell how the Liverpool Board approach the goalkeeping situation and future planning.
Every Liverpool fans heart will tell you, offer him a new deal. Unfortunately modern Football doesn’t work that way.
The 2027 contract timeframe might be conveying information fans don’t want to hear.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF 2027
With Mo Salah’s and Virgil Van Dijk’s contracts extended to 2027, it appears that is set to be an emotional summer for Liverpool fans.
Three of the best modern Liverpool players who are all in their 30’s, are set to have their contracts expire.
Alisson Becker almost left previously when close members of the dressing room departed in Jurgen Klopp’s farewell.
Perhaps he himself will feel that the time is right. To end his historic LFC journey alongside the Club Captain Van Dijk and the extraordinary Mo Salah.
His name is not mentioned as often as those two, but it deserves to be.
His job, to stay out of the front pages and continue to be an exceptional Goalkeeper.
He might be, the very best in the world at doing just that.
Alisson Becker. Liverpool Legend who’s future is uncertain, but his remaining time at the club should be cherished in every moment.
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