Liverpool’s Goalkeeper Puzzle: Galatasaray Watch Alisson in £70m Transfer Rumours

Liverpool’s exciting Premier League campaign doesn’t end with the reds still in command at the top of the table heading into a critical weekend. With a visit to Southampton just around the corner, the Reds are looking to keep the momentum going and maintain the pressure on the title-chasing side. Arsenal and Manchester City (away to Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur respectively) are following closely behind, although Liverpool now have a five-point advantage.

Alisson Becker’s Future Under Spotlight

Outside the ground, Liverpool are on fire not just because of their form. According to Turkish reports, Galatasaray are keen to sign Alisson Becker , leading to new rumours about the Brazilian’s future at Anfield. The 32-year-old, considered by many to be one of Europe’s best shot-stoppers, has three years left on his contract. But reports of a move to Saudi Arabia earlier this year put fans on edge.

While Alisson has had injuries in the past, the hamstring injury which he has suffered for the moment has seen reserve goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher come into his own. The Republic of Ireland international has been on fire and has given the new Liverpool manager a headache when it comes to selection. Kelleher has never held back from his desire to win a starting place, whether at Liverpool or elsewhere.

To add a little spice, Liverpool are due to sign Valencia and Georgia international Giorgi Mamardashvili next summer. The 23-year-old goalkeeper’s departure from La Liga will just add more talent to Liverpool’s keeper corps. Galatasaray however, seem ready to test Liverpool’s resolve, with the Turkish newspaper Sabah claiming that the club have already started talks with Alisson.

Marcus Thuram and Liverpool’s Move Scheme Marcus Thuram and Liverpool’s Transfer Strategy

In the meantime, Liverpool aren’t just buying goalkeepers. In Spain, reports linked the Reds with Inter Milan striker Marcus Thuram. The 27-year-old Frenchman is hot as fire this season, scoring seven goals and two assists in 12 Serie A matches.

Mundo Deportivo reports that Liverpool are prepared to give Thuram a £96,000-a-week deal to entice him to Anfield. Yet his £70.6m release clause could be an off-putting contrast to Liverpool’s typically cost-conscious spending policy. Given Thuram’s history and his role in Inter’s re-capture of the title, it might be a reasonable price for today’s overinflated market.

Big Decisions Ahead for Liverpool

With Liverpool set to play crucial games against Southampton, Real Madrid and Manchester City, Liverpool’s long-term ambitions remain in sharp relief. In addition to Alisson’s uncertain future, the Reds will need to deal with imminent contract extensions for players such as Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah.

The Liverpool faithful will, at least for the moment, pray that the team stay on fire on the pitch and that the decision-makers take the off-field demands in stride with just as much delicacy and determination.