Yahoo Sports 'IDEAL' next move for Alisson Becker revealed with Mamardashvili set for £29m Liverpool arrival next year
In a deal worth up to £29m, Liverpool splashed out this summer on goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia who will arrive at Anfield next season, but it could potentially lead to an earlier-than-expected departure for Alisson Becker.
While the 31-year-old Brazilian is still highly regarded as one of the world's best goalkeepers, the club's move to find a new long-term replacement for him is perplexing and could lead to a shock exit next summer.
Read more: Barclaysmen! 13 Liverpool players who helped define a cult era
According to reports in Spain, an approach from a Saudi Arabian club for Alisson would be an ideal situation for Liverpool to facilitate an orderly transition for Mamardashvili.
However, following Arne Slot's remarkable start at Liverpool, winning all three games and completing three clean sheets, with Alisson between the goalposts, the prospect of him leaving Liverpool would prove to be highly controversial amongst the fans.
As goalkeepers often retire substantially later than other players, it is not inconceivable for the Brazilian to carry on performing at the highest level for the next 10 years, with legendary Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon having only retired last year at the age of 45.
But, the addition of Mamardashvili does not come without its controversies either, as Liverpool No2 Caoimhin Kelleher felt the need to vent his frustrations at a press conference this week while on international duty with the Republic of Ireland.
Who will be Liverpool's goalkeepers next season?
As part of the deal struck this summer, Mamardashvili is currently on loan with Valencia, where he has been for the past three years, but he will make the move formally next season.
Meanwhile, Kelleher had numerous approaches declined by the club this summer and with one year left on his contract, it seems likely that he will successfully get his wish to play regular first-team football, sadly away from the club.
It is unknown whether Mamardashvili was given any assurances of being Liverpool's No1 when he arrives next season, but it is unlikely that he will be content with sitting on the sidelines for too long.
Kelleher came up from the youth system so he did not require a substantial transfer fee and nor did Adrian when the club brought him in on loan in 2019.
Alisson was purchased as a crucial missing piece in Liverpool's arsenal, but with the keeper still being in fine form six years on from his move, an important decision will need to be made on what the club's vision moving forward as the Brazilian's contract ends in 2027.
Jamie Carragher DELIVERS Real Madrid warning to Trent Alexander-Arnold: 'Who do you think you are?!'1 hour ago
Paul Scholes suggests a NEW England position for Trent Alexander-Arnold - and it's not midfield2 hours ago
