Liverpool may have Alisson, but may not. The goalkeeper problem for the match against Crystal Palace this weekend seems to reflect the larger picture of next season - where changes are silently forming under coach Arne Slot.
For nearly a decade, Alisson has been a symbol of stability in goal. Liverpool's activation of the extension clause in March seemed to have affirmed a long-term future. But in reality, it is no longer certain. The relationship with Juventus - the team looking for a replacement for Michele Di Gregorio - makes the prospect of separation no longer distant, especially when the Brazilian goalkeeper once played for AS Roma.
On Liverpool's side, they have no clear reason to rush to leave the pillar. However, Slot's cautious answer shows that the door is still open. The Dutch coach emphasized Alisson's immediate goal is to recover and continue to contribute, but did not make any long-term commitments.
Alisson's composure - a quality once highly appreciated by Jurgen Klopp - may become even more valuable when Liverpool faces the risk of leaving key players like Mohamed Salah or Andy Robertson. In that context, Alisson is even considered a bright candidate for Virgil van Dijk's vice-captain role.
However, the problem is not only in the professional aspect. Alisson's fitness, especially his persistent hamstring injuries, is becoming a big question mark. The Kop are forced to calculate carefully, especially when they already have a successor option named Giorgi Mamardashvili.
The Georgian goalkeeper was brought in for a not small fee and clearly not for long-term backup. 8 years younger than Alisson, Mamardashvili has the appearance of a stable goalkeeper in the future. However, the current class gap is still undeniable.
Therefore, Liverpool is facing a pivotal choice: keep Alisson to maintain stability, or boldly transfer to prepare for the future. If they decide to sell, this may be the last time to collect transfer fees, although the value of a 33-year-old goalkeeper, who is frequently injured and only has one year left on his contract, is certainly not high.
The financial problem also contributes to making things more complicated. The "Reds" are owning a salary fund in the highest group of the Premier League, and streamlining is inevitable. In that context, Alisson along with Van Dijk and some other key players are in the group of highest-paid players.
Although the contract has been extended for another year, Alisson's future at Anfield is still not guaranteed. The scenario of returning to Brazil at the end of his career is still there, but what is worth mentioning is that even next season is no longer certain.
There was a time when the saying "Liverpool only needs Alisson Becker" was almost a truth. But now, the Anfield home team faces a big question, do they still need him as before, or is it time to start a new chapter?
