Liverpool extend Alisson Becker’s contract to 2027 to deter Juventus
Liverpool have activated a contract extension for Alisson Becker to keep the Brazilian goalkeeper at Anfield until 2027 and fend off transfer interest from Juventus.
The 33-year-old’s previous deal was set to expire this summer, which could have allowed him to negotiate a free transfer to a foreign club.
However, the Premier League outfit have decisively exercised a one-year option to secure their first-choice stopper for a further campaign.
Juventus target Serie A return
Italian giants Juventus have reportedly made the acquisition of a new goalkeeper a primary objective for the upcoming transfer window.
According to reports in Italy, the Turin club had identified the former Roma star as a priority signing to bolster their squad.
Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario is also believed to be on the Serie A side’s radar as an alternative option.
Juventus were reportedly prepared to meet the South American’s wage demands, which are estimated to be around £5.1m annually.
Mamardashvili waiting in the wings
Even if the Reds eventually decide to sanction a departure for their number one, they already have a long-term successor at the club.
Georgia international Giorgi Mamardashvili arrived on Merseyside in the summer but has found his minutes heavily restricted this season.
The 24-year-old has made just 12 appearances across all competitions while serving as an understudy.
The Georgian recently explained his mindset regarding his current lack of playing time.
“My ex-goalkeeper coach, Jose Manuel Ochotorena, when I was at Valencia told me I had to find a balance between ambition and patience.”
“I keep working hard and you never know when your chance is coming. It’s never easy because there is just one goalkeeper.”
“If I don’t play, I don’t mind – I have to work hard every day and that’s it. My time will come, for sure.”
A decorated Anfield career
Alisson has been a transformative figure for Liverpool since arriving from the Italian capital for £64m in 2018.
The Brazil international has amassed 330 appearances during a highly successful period on Merseyside.
His impressive trophy cabinet includes two Premier League titles, the Champions League, the FA Cup and the League Cup.
The veteran stopper has also been instrumental in helping new arrivals settle into the squad, a fact praised by his current deputy.
“The most important thing for me was the support because I didn’t speak much English. Mac Allister, Alisson as well helped and now I speak much better.”
