Brad Friedel urges Liverpool to retain goalkeeper Alisson amid transfer talks

Brad Friedel, a former Liverpool goalkeeper, has expressed his hope that the club retains Alisson Becker amid ongoing transfer speculations. The Brazilian goalkeeper, whose contract with Liverpool enters its final year, is reportedly close to agreeing on a three-year deal with Juventus, a move estimated to cost around £13 million.

Alisson, 33, has been a key figure for Liverpool since his 2018 transfer from Roma for a then-world record fee for a goalkeeper. However, injuries, including a recent hamstring issue, have affected his availability during the season. Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili stepped in during Alisson’s absence but managed only three clean sheets in 20 matches before suffering an injury himself, which led to third-choice keeper Freddie Woodman being called into action.

Friedel, 55, who spent three years at Liverpool early in his career before establishing himself at other Premier League clubs, told Daily Star Sport via casino.org that he finds it difficult to imagine Alisson leaving. “I just hope he stays. I don’t even think of him leaving, to be honest with you,” Friedel said. He praised Alisson as one of his favorite goalkeepers and expressed concern about the possibility of him joining another Premier League club.

Regarding Mamardashvili, Friedel acknowledged the Georgian’s potential but questioned his readiness to be Liverpool’s long-term first-choice goalkeeper. “He had a few games where he performed really well and looked solid but it’s a big ask,” Friedel commented. He added that Mamardashvili is a good backup but should not remain a number two goalkeeper indefinitely, citing Caoimhin Kelleher’s successful loan spell at Brentford as an example of a player too talented to stay as a backup.

Alisson is currently with the Brazil national team preparing for their opening World Cup group match, which may influence the timing of any transfer. Liverpool reportedly want him to stay for at least one more year, but the club’s new manager, Andoni Iraola, who recently left Bournemouth after guiding them to a Europa League spot, will face important decisions in the transfer market, including the goalkeeper position.