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For better or for worse, the disappointing end to Liverpool’s season, in particular, Loris Karius’ concussion-rattled horror show in the Champions League final, have seen the Reds linked to a host of goalkeepers.
While everyone from Jan Oblak down to Nick Pope have worked their way through the rumour mill in connection to Anfield, the longest and most persistent links have been to Roma phenom, Alisson Becker. Liverpool are understood to have been weighing up a move for the keeper since at least the most recent winter window, and have finally made a monster bid of £57m according to a report from Brazilian outlet Terra. The scoop has been corroborated by Spanish publication, Mundo Deportivo who have claimed that €65m (£57.2m) has been offered.
While Real Madrid have been the Reds’ most formidable rivals in the contest for the 25-year-old’s signature, the current instability in the Spanish capital with the resignation of manager, Zinedine Zidane appears to have allowed the Liverpool to steal a march in the race.
Furthermore, Brazil’s no. 1 who is currently with the national team preparing to take on Switzerland in the World Cup on Sunday, has expressed a desire to secure his future prior to the start of the tournament and has had a special agent in the Reds’ Roberto Firmino singing about the joys of hugs from Jürgen Klopp to boot.
However, despite the alleged bid representing a demolition of the £34.7m world record for a goalkeeper held by compatriot and Manchester City stopper Ederson, it still falls well below the eye-watering £80m valuation Roma have placed on their most valuable asset, a figure that presumably includes a “Mohamed Salah” tax to make up for the heist Liverpool Sporting Director, Michael Edwards and his transfer team got away with last summer in bringing the 44-goal dynamo to Merseyside.
Nevertheless, it would appear that Liverpool is the destination the Alisson has set his heart on, and while a deal might not materialize between now and Sunday, Liverpool fans will hope that a move for the “Messi of Goalkeepers” is a sign of good things to come.