Juventus has identified Alisson Becker as a priority signing for the upcoming summer window. Reports suggest the Italian giants are readying a formal bid for Liverpool’s long-standing number one, who could be looking for a new challenge after eight seasons at Anfield.
While Liverpool recently triggered a one-year extension to keep Alisson until 2027, the club are reportedly “aware of the situation” and open to a deal if the right price is met, especially with Giorgi Mamardashvili already in the ranks as a potential successor.
Alisson Becker has been sidelined since late March after suffering his second significant hamstring injury of the season.
The goalkeeper has missed Liverpool’s last eight games due to injury.
Slot on May 3: “Alisson hasn’t trained with us yet, so that makes it quite simple. We’re hoping for him to be ready next week but we have to wait and see how the week will go.”
Despite picking up wins against Everton, Fulham, and Crystal Palace, Liverpool’s defensive vulnerability has been glaring, managing just a single clean sheet in that span.
That lone shutout came from third-choice keeper Freddie Woodman, who was thrust into the spotlight following an injury to Giorgi Mamardashvili. While Woodman held firm against Palace, his inexperience showed at Old Trafford; he endured a nightmare start in the 3-2 loss to Manchester United, conceding twice within the first 14 minutes.
Alisson is expected to return to the first-team fold soon, with Slot revealing that his dependable number one option could be fit enough to start against Chelsea this coming weekend.
Regardless, Liverpool fans might have to grow comfortable with the fact they won’t be watching Alisson in between the sticks for much longer, as emerging transfer reports suggest he could be returning to Serie A this summer, having previously lined up for AS Roma.
Could Alisson be on the move?
Indeed, as per new reports from GIVEMESPORT, Juventus appear to be working on a deal for the two-time Premier League title winner.
With just one year left on his current Anfield deal, Juventus are looking to exploit the unease around the South American’s immediate future on Merseyside by exploring a move.
It is believed that Alisson would be open to a return to Serie A, according to the report, but Liverpool wouldn’t be so forthcoming, as they still view the 33-year-old as their main figure in goal, with Giorgi Mamardashvili suffering from a wobbly debut season.
Despite the interest from Italy, Alisson has no intention of forcing an exit. Having made 332 appearances for the Merseyside giants, he shares a deep bond with the club and would only consider a move if the terms were beneficial for Liverpool. Any potential deal would have to be a “win-win” for both the player and the Reds.
This will be an intriguing transfer tussle to keep tabs on, with Liverpool stuck with a dilemma on their hands, as to whether they should cash in on Alisson, to avoid him running down his contract, or stick by the Brazilian, knowing how crucial he can be.
Liverpool has a decision to make on Alisson
With 137 clean sheets under his belt at Liverpool, it’s not the wildest shout to suggest that the 33-year-old is one of the best modern keepers to grace the Premier League.
However, there is a decision still to be made, even if Alisson is a wonderful shot stopper on his day, as his persistent injury issues are troubling Slot side right now.
Indeed, this season to date, the reliable number one has missed 18 games through injury, which has led to Woodman and Mamardashvili being introduced into the first-team spotlight to varying degrees of success.
Despite the recent instability shown by his deputies, Liverpool may be weighing the long-term benefits of offloading their injury-plagued number one.
The logic suggests that by permanently handing the starting role to either Giorgi Mamardashvili or Freddie Woodman, the club could allow them to find their rhythm and iron out their wobbly form through the consistency of regular Premier League starts.
Moreover, if the reigning champions can get a decent fee out of the Italian side, they might well be best placed to cash in, instead of losing another loyal servant for nothing, like the unravelling situations of Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah.
Bit by bit, it looks as if the regular starting XI once fielded by Jurgen Klopp during Liverpool’s recent peak is being shifted on, with Alisson perhaps the next trusted first-teamer to be offloaded.
