There is some excellent news for Liverpool supporters, with Alisson Becker making it clear that his preference is to remain at Anfield beyond the end of this season.
The Brazilian goalkeeper has been linked with a possible departure, with his current contract due to expire next summer. However, his latest comments should give Liverpool fans plenty of encouragement.
Speaking to the BBC after Sunday’s 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace, Alisson was asked whether he wanted to stay.
His response was exactly what supporters wanted to hear.
“Yes [I want to stay], in my mind. I’m focused on playing every game but in my mind I’m happy to stay.”
He continued:
“That depends on a lot of aspects and different situations. But my will is to stay – I’m happy here and my family is happy here.
“I’m still hungry for titles and to delivering good performances. I still want to play at the top level for as long as I can, so that’s my thinking.”
There is no ambiguity about his personal preference. Alisson wants to remain a Liverpool player.
Alisson has earned the right to decide his future
I would absolutely love to see Alisson stay at Liverpool.
Since arriving from Roma in 2018, he has established himself as one of the finest goalkeepers ever to wear the famous red shirt.
He has been instrumental in Liverpool winning the Premier League, Champions League and other major trophies. His contribution over the years has been enormous.
We sometimes take his quality for granted, but when you look at the number of important saves he has produced in big matches, it becomes obvious just how valuable he has been.
Sunday’s performance against Crystal Palace was another reminder.
Liverpool were not completely comfortable defensively, particularly during the first half, and Alisson produced several important saves to keep the opposition at bay.
His stops against Daichi Kamada, Adam Wharton and Yeremy Pino were particularly important.
Without those interventions, the outcome could have been very different.
He may have made mistakes in the defeats against Arsenal and Fenerbahçe, but one difficult week should never erase everything he has done for this football club.
His agent is already speaking to Liverpool
There is another encouraging development.
Alisson confirmed that although he has not personally held contract discussions with the club, his agent is speaking with Liverpool.
That suggests conversations about his future are taking place, although no new agreement has been announced.
Andoni Iraola has previously made it clear that he would like Alisson to remain at Anfield, so there appears to be a willingness on both sides.
Of course, Liverpool must consider the financial implications and their longer-term goalkeeping plans.
Giorgi Mamardashvili is waiting for opportunities, while young goalkeeper Lucca Brughmans is also expected to arrive from Genk next summer.
But having competition for the No.1 position should not mean Liverpool automatically allow one of their best players to leave.
Liverpool need experience as well as young talent
One thing I keep coming back to is the experience currently available in this Liverpool squad.
We have already seen senior figures move on, and there is a danger of losing too much leadership in a relatively short period.
Virgil van Dijk’s future is also a major consideration, with his contract due to expire at the end of the season.
Losing both Alisson and Van Dijk next summer would leave Liverpool with some enormous gaps to fill.
Young players need experienced teammates around them, particularly while Iraola is trying to build a new team and establish his own identity.
Alisson brings more than outstanding goalkeeping ability. He understands the demands of playing for Liverpool, knows what it takes to win major trophies and has experienced the biggest occasions in the game.
That experience is incredibly valuable.
My verdict: Give Alisson another contract
I understand Liverpool have to plan for the future, and nobody can play at the highest level forever.
But I don’t believe the club should be in a hurry to move Alisson on.
If he continues producing performances like the one against Palace, I would have no hesitation in offering him another contract.
Perhaps a one-year extension with an option for a further season would make sense, allowing Liverpool to manage the transition while retaining one of the best goalkeepers in their history.
Alisson has made his feelings clear. He is happy at Liverpool, his family are happy on Merseyside and he still wants to compete for the biggest trophies.
That is exactly the attitude we want from our senior players.
Liverpool should do everything reasonable to keep him at Anfield. We have already lost enough experience, and I certainly don’t want to see Alisson become another player we regret allowing to leave.
By Jamie
(The Kopite View)
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