Despite paying a positional world record £66 million for Alisson Becker, it has been claimed by Spanish newspaper AS that Liverpool’s first-choice goalkeeper was Jan Oblak of Atletico Madrid.
Few Reds fans will be complaining after the way Alisson has started the season however, the Brazilian yet to concede a goal in his first three Premier League games.
Nevertheless, AS suggest that manager Jürgen Klopp had coveted Oblak.
The Slovenian had become a stalwart of Diego Simeone’s side, and as such the club moved to tie the shot-stopper to the club through the inclusion of a mammoth release clause into his contract.
With £90 million required to prise the glovesman from the Spanish capital, Liverpool turned their attentions elsewhere.
Alisson’s strong World Cup performance for Brazil had left many clubs vying for his services, including Premier League rivals Chelsea, who were also reported to be interested in Oblak.
Ultimately the Blues turned to another La Liga goalkeeper to replace the outgoing Thibaut Courtois, with Kepa Arrizabalaga joining from Athletic Bilbao for a fee in excess of £70 million.
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