Liverpool are reportedly set to sign AS Roma goalkeeper Alisson, who is also a summer target for Real Madrid, in a world record £66.8 million deal.
According to a report by Liverpool Echo, Alisson is set to undergo a medical at Liverpool after agreeing personal terms on a five-year deal. The Reds will then be poised to complete a world record £66.8 million deal for the AS Roma goalkeeper, who was also the subject of interest from Real Madrid and Chelsea.
Alisson has seen his stock skyrocket after an impressive campaign with AS Roma, wherein he helped the Giallorossi to the semi-finals in the Champions League while also ensuring a Top 3 finish in Serie A. The 25-year-old didn’t just stop there, as he also enjoyed a solid World Cup campaign with Brazil before bowing out in the quarter-finals.
His advent over the last 12 months has kicked up a storm in the transfer market, with several clubs looking for a top class goalkeeper this summer. Among them, are European heavyweights like Liverpool, Chelsea and Real Madrid.
Real Madrid’s pursuit of a world class goalkeeper has been well documented. Los Blancos had been set to sign David De Gea in the summer of 2015 before the infamous “fax machine” incident scuppered the move. Since then, they have been desperately scouring the market for a goalkeeper, with Keylor Navas flattering to deceive at times with his inconsistencies.
Heading into this summer’s transfer window, Alisson had become their priority, with De Gea happy and settled at Manchester United. But, Liverpool have swooped in recent months, and have been the resounding favourites to secure his services.
The goalkeeping conundrum at Anfield has been all too well known. Simon Mignolet has never looked the part of a top level goalkeeper that Liverpool have craved for since the departure of Pepe Reina. Loris Karius seemed to be finally filling that void in the second half of the 2017-18 season.
But, the twin errors in the Champions League final has sent him into a downward spiral that he can’t seem to be getting out of. Liverpool have thus, identified Alisson as a long-term goalkeeping solution. Meanwhile, Real Madrid have reportedly taken a backseat in the Alisson pursuit, with Thibaut Courtois their priority now.
There were also murmurings of a possible Chelsea hijack. But, Liverpool have gone on to agree personal terms with the Brazilian international, who will sign a five-year contract after undergoing a medical this week. The Reds have also reached an agreement with Roma over the transfer fee – a staggering £66.8 million deal that will shatter the world record fee for a goalkeeper.
The report also suggests that Alisson’s mind had been made as far back as the Champions League semi-final between Liverpool and AS Roma, with the player “blown away” by the Anfield atmosphere. Real Madrid though, will have to wait on their goalkeeping acquisition for now, with Chelsea only likely to let Courtois leave after they sign a replacement.
As far as Liverpool are concerned, Jurgen Klopp & co. will hope their yearning for a reliable goalkeeper is finally fulfilled by the arrival of Alisson.