Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool could be handed a massive setback after their prime target for the summer transfer window could move to Real Madrid. AS Roma goalkeeper Alisson Becker has been one of the most in-demand keepers in the world after stellar performances and the Los Blancos are favorites to lure him to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid is having a torrid defense to their La Liga title after struggling in the Spanish league and are therefore preparing a mass exodus of players in the summer. Manager Zinedine Zidane is keen on strengthening his rearguard by bringing in a new keeper to replace the Costa Rican Keylor Navas in goal. Although there was huge interest from English giants Liverpool, who are also in desperate need of a decent shot-stopper.
Klopp’s decision to make Loris Karius his first choice keeper has been a slight upgrade to Belgian Simon Mignolet, who had wasted too many opportunities to perform but failed on many occasions. But Karius has also not completely convinced his boss that he can win them trophies with his composure on the ball. Hence, the former Borussia Dortmund manager is eager to join the race to sign Alisson in order to fix up his last line of defense.
But the Spanish giants are now deciding to step up their pursuit for the Brazilian keeper, who has reportedly kept out Manchester City’s first choice keeper Ederson out of the national squad. According to Corriere Dello Sport, Madrid is preparing a massive bid worth £52.4m which would make Alisson the world’s most expensive keeper. This move could also increase Alisson’s wages, who currently makes £44,000 a week. The AS Roma man has been in splendid form this season as he has kept 13 clean sheets in 29 Serie A games this season as well as four in the Champions League, helping the Italian outfit to qualify for the Champions League quarter-finals. Since arriving from Brazilian club Internacional in 2016, Alisson has gone on to make over 50 appearances for the Italy capital club, but his future now remains uncertain.
Although, Madrid were keen on bringing in either one of the two; Manchester United superstar David De Gea or Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois, it now seems unlikely that the two English clubs will be allowing their prized assets to leave their respective clubs in the summer. This has put in Alisson as the number one signing on the transfer board wish list.
Th25-year-old Alisson is a massive figure in goal and has produced some absolutely stunning saves this season, but Real Madrid’s interest in him could dampen Liverpool’s spirit in securing a deal for the highly rated man between the posts. A £52.5m offer could be too difficult for anyone to refuse especially for a keeper, and Roma may give in to the temptation. Liverpool have been eyeing Alisson for quite some time now and will have to put a much steeper price to compete with the European champions. Liverpool will play against Manchester City in the quarter final of UEFA Champions League.
