Real Madrid have reportedly joined Liverpool in the race to sign Alisson from AS Roma in the January transfer window.
According to Italian transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio, Alisson is the subject of interest from Real Madrid, who are eager to sign a goalkeeper. Los Blancos have joined Liverpool in pursuit of the AS Roma goalkeeper, with the two European heavyweights eyeing a move for him this month.
Alisson’s advent this season has been remarkable, emerging from the shadows of Wojciech Szczesny with elan. The Brazilian shot stopper initially had to bide his time at AS Roma, with the Pole a firm first-choice last season. But, in just over half a campaign, the 25-year-old has cemented his place as one of the best goalkeepers in Italy.
So far this season, Alisson has kept 12 clean sheets in 25 appearances across all competitions, conceding a mere 20 goals. And so, it does not come as a surprise that some of the biggest clubs in the world are trying to sign him, with Real Madrid joining Liverpool and PSG in the player’s pursuit.
At Liverpool, the goalkeeping crisis is common knowledge by now, with neither Simon Mignolet nor Loris Karius managing to match up to the standards required by a top club. While Jurgen Klopp has, at times, maintained that he is not looking for a goalkeeper, there have been signs that patience is starting to wear thin.
Liverpool target Alisson: “It’s always a pleasure to know that [big] clubs are keeping an eye on you. Maybe we talk about it in June.” pic.twitter.com/hX30ZNAR7G
— Anfield Edition (@AnfieldEdition) January 15, 2018
With Alisson establishing himself as one of the best goalkeepers in Europe, he is a viable target for Liverpool, considering he also has his best years ahead of him. But, the Reds now face stiff competition from Real Madrid for the player.
Los Blancos, like Liverpool, have an urgent need to bolster their goalkeeping options. Kiko Casilla just hasn’t shown enough consistency to challenge Keylor Navas to be the Real Madrid number one, with the Costa Rican himself blowing hot and cold this season.
At the moment, Real Madrid are only looking to sign a goalkeeper who can create a stable partnership alongside Navas. They had been heavily linked with a move for Kepa Arrizabalaga for a long time, but the Spaniard has been sidelined for at least three months with an injury.
David De Gea and Thibaut Courtois were reportedly the alternatives for Kepa, but the duo are set to sign new deals at their respective clubs, which is why Real Madrid have now set their sights on Alisson. PSG, though, are also in the race for the 25-year-old alongside Los Blancos and Liverpool.
At Parc des Princes, the future of Kevin Trapp is up in the air, with the German coincidentally linked with Liverpool. Regardless of a possible move for Trapp though, PSG are eager to sign a top goalkeeper to truly create a world class squad and challenge for the UEFA Champions League.
Alisson himself has been coy about his future at Roma, although he has insisted that he is going nowhere at least till the summer. It now remains to be seen if Liverpool, Real Madrid or PSG can do anything substantial to secure his services this month, or if they wait till the summer to kick start a tussle for him.
