Liverpool appear to be planning for the future between the posts, with FC Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa reportedly emerging as a leading candidate to eventually replace Alisson Becker.
According to reports from Anfield Watch and TEAMtalk, the Reds have been monitoring the Portuguese international closely and regard him as an ideal long-term successor to their current number one.
Costa is admired for his excellent shot-stopping ability, command of his penalty area and, importantly, his comfort playing out from the back.
Those are exactly the qualities Liverpool would want in a modern goalkeeper.
But there is an interesting twist to this story.
Alisson has made it clear that he wants to stay at Anfield, and preliminary discussions over a new contract are already underway.
So why are Liverpool looking at Costa when their Brazilian superstar wants to remain?
Diogo Costa is an impressive goalkeeper
There is plenty to admire about the Porto captain.
Costa has established himself as one of the leading goalkeepers in Portuguese football and has considerable experience at both club and international level.
He is an excellent shot-stopper, comfortable receiving the ball under pressure and capable of starting attacks with accurate distribution.
Liverpool need a goalkeeper who can do more than simply make saves. The position is so important to the way modern teams build from the back, and Costa appears to have the technical qualities to fit that responsibility.
At 27, he would also represent a long-term investment rather than a short-term solution.
Porto will not make it easy, though. Costa signed a contract running until 2030, reportedly containing a €60 million release clause.
That is a significant commitment for Liverpool, particularly when there are already other goalkeepers at the club.
But Alisson wants to stay – and I would keep him!
For me, this is the most important part of the story.
Alisson has already said he wants to remain at Liverpool. His agent is speaking with the club, and the Brazilian has made it clear that he and his family are happy on Merseyside.
At 34, he is still capable of producing outstanding performances.
Just look at the Crystal Palace victory. Alisson made several important saves and reminded everybody why he has been one of the best goalkeepers in world football for years.
Yes, he has made mistakes this season. Every goalkeeper does. But I wouldn’t allow a couple of difficult performances to overshadow everything he has delivered for Liverpool.
He has been absolutely magnificent since arriving from Roma in 2018.
If an agreement can be reached on a sensible contract, I would have no hesitation in keeping him.
Liverpool should not be looking to replace Alisson simply because he has reached his mid-thirties.
What happens to Mamardashvili?
There is another important question Liverpool need to answer.
Giorgi Mamardashvili was brought in with the intention of eventually taking over from Alisson, while young Lucca Brughmans is also expected to arrive from Genk.
Adding Costa to that equation would create a serious amount of competition.
Would Liverpool be prepared to spend a substantial transfer fee on another goalkeeper while Mamardashvili is already waiting for his opportunity?
And what would that mean for the Georgian’s future?
I don’t believe Liverpool should be stockpiling expensive goalkeepers without having a clear plan.
The club must decide who they believe is capable of becoming the long-term number one and give that player a realistic pathway into the team.
Liverpool need to plan ahead, not panic
There is nothing wrong with Liverpool monitoring Costa.
In fact, it would be irresponsible not to assess the market when planning for the future of such an important position.
Alisson cannot play forever, and the club must make sure they are prepared for the day he eventually moves on.
But there is no reason to rush that decision if he is still performing at the highest level and wants to stay.
Personally, I would prioritise getting Alisson’s contract sorted and then make a clear decision about Mamardashvili’s future before committing a large fee to another goalkeeper.
My verdict? Diogo Costa is an exciting option and someone Liverpool should continue monitoring. But Alisson remains our number one, and I would much rather see him sign a new deal than start planning his departure.
We need succession planning, absolutely. What we don’t need is to lose one of the finest goalkeepers in the club’s history before we have to.
Liverpool have some big decisions ahead. Let’s make sure we get this one right.
By Jamie (The Kopite View)
Leave a Reply