- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
Liverpool are looking at potential replacements for Alisson Becker amid Saudi Arabian interest in the Brazil international with Real Madrid’s Andriy Lunin one of those under consideration.
HITC understands that, one year after Jordan Henderson, Roberto Firmino and Fabinho all left Anfield for a new start in the Middle East, Saudi Arabian clubs are now sniffing around one player new head coach Arne Slot will be desperate to retain.
Like with fellow Brazilian and Manchester City glovesman Ederson Moraes, Alisson Becker may have a decision to make over his future this summer.
Liverpool are more than aware that there is Saudi interest in their long-serving number one though – unlike Ederson – Alisson is not actively pushing for the move.
Still, the six-time European Champions appear determined to be prepared for every eventuality. We understand that they have drawn up a list of goalkeeping targets either to take Alisson’s place or to succeed Coaimhin Kelleher should the Irishman secure a move of his own.
Liverpool looking at goalkeepers amid Alisson Becker concerns
“I’m not silly. I know that Ali has been the best goalkeeper in the world for years,” Keller told The Athletic in April while expressing his desire to play regular first-team football. “Whether it’s here at Liverpool or somewhere else, I do feel the next step for me is to be a number 1.
“I wouldn’t say I was pushing (to leave) last summer but saying; ‘Look, I need to kick on for my career’,” he revealed. Jurgen (Klopp) said, ‘If anything happens to Ali, we really need you to be there’. It worked out for the best this season because I played 26 games.”
It is unlikely, however, that Kelleher would have reached anything like those numbers had Alisson not suffered with injuries during the 2023/24 campaign.
HITC understands that Kelleher remains Celtic’s first-choice to replace Joe Hart.
For Liverpool, meanwhile, there is interest in Andriy Lunin of Real Madrid. Despite that error-strewn display for Ukraine during their 3-0 hammering by Romania at Euro 2024, Lunin enjoyed a largely ‘outstanding‘ campaign.
He was a central figure in the Real Madrid side who claimed a La Liga and Champions League double, stepping in brilliantly for the stricken Thibaut Courtois.
HITC have been told that Liverpool also have an interest in Feyenoord’s Justin Bijlow. An Eredivisie champion alongside Slot back in 2023, Bijlow is modern, ball-playing goalkeeper. He confirmed talks with Man United before Erik ten Hag agreed a deal to bring Andre Onana to Old Trafford.
Arne Slot favourite is among candidates
Liverpool also admire Sunderland youngster Anthony Patterson, though he is perhaps more likely to be viewed as a Kelleher replacement than someone immediately capable of stepping into Alisson’s shoes should the lure of Saudi Arabia prove impossible to ignore.
Even the most well-heeled Premier League-based players would see their wages dwarfed in comparison to the funds on offer in the Middle East.
Ederson, HITC reported recently, could become the best-paid goalkeeper on the planet on around £500,000-a-week if he follows in the footsteps of former City team-mates Riyad Mahrez and Aymeric Laporte.
Fortunately for Liverpool, Alisson does not appear to be in any particular rush to bring an end to his time in England.
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