Liverpool may have to wait a while longer to sort out Alisson Becker’s future, despite his agent suggesting earlier today that talks over a new contract were already underway.
The Brazilian goalkeeper wants to stay at Anfield, and he’s made that pretty clear. The interesting part is what’s actually happening behind the scenes.
Just hours after his representative confirmed preliminary discussions with Liverpool, a new report from Brazil has offered a slightly different version. Apparently, neither side is in any hurry to get a deal done.
And there’s another development which won’t be particularly encouraging for clubs hoping to take Alisson away next summer.
Liverpool talks may not be as advanced as suggested
Earlier on Tuesday, Alisson’s agent Zé Maria said the 34-year-old loves Liverpool and wants to extend his stay. “We are in preliminary talks regarding a contract renewal,” he said.
However, ESPN Brasil now report that no renewal negotiations are currently taking place.
According to their information, Liverpool and the player’s representatives have a good relationship, but both prefer to wait until the end of the season before making a decision.
So there’s a difference from what the agent suggested, although the two versions aren’t necessarily impossible to reconcile. Either way, Liverpool supporters shouldn’t expect an announcement just yet.
Out with the Brazil national team, Alisson himself has also spoken about his future, making it clear that he’d happily continue at Anfield.
“Yes, in my mind,” he said when asked about staying. “I’m focused on playing every game, but deep down I’m happy to stay. You know, it depends on many different factors and situations. But my desire is to stay.”
The goalkeeper added that his family are happy in Liverpool and that he still wants to win trophies and perform at the highest level for as long as possible.
Flamengo and Internacional face another obstacle
There’s another interesting detail in ESPN’s reporting. Alisson is apparently giving Liverpool first refusal on his future. And even if a renewal doesn’t happen, he’s not exactly rushing to pack his bags for Brazil.
The report says a return to his home country next summer is considered difficult. The goalkeeper believes he still has plenty to offer European football, with Juventus having previously explored a move.
That’s worth keeping in mind given the interest coming from Brazil. Sport Witness recently revealed that Flamengo have discussed Alisson internally, although opinions are divided over whether they should pursue him.
Meanwhile, Internacional, where Alisson started his career, remain a potential destination further down the line. The goalkeeper has previously spoken about wanting to return there.
For both Brazilian clubs, though, the latest information suggests 2027 might be a little optimistic.
Liverpool can afford to wait – for now
Alisson’s current contract runs until June 2027, following Liverpool’s decision to activate a one-year extension back in March. That gives the club some breathing room, although the calendar is starting to matter.
From January, the Brazilian will be free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with clubs outside England. Liverpool could therefore find themselves making a decision after other teams have already started exploring their options.
And of course there’s also Giorgi Mamardashvili to consider. The Georgian arrived with expectations of eventually taking over, but Alisson has kept hold of the No.1 spot.
But for now, the message from the goalkeeper’s side is encouraging for Liverpool. Whether the club are equally keen to keep him beyond next summer is the part nobody has quite cleared up yet.
