Liverpool’s decision on Alisson Becker’s future could prove more complicated than simply identifying a successor to their long-serving goalkeeper, with the Brazilian’s continued quality presenting the club with a difficult choice between planning for the future and preserving an important pillar of its present.
At 34, Alisson is approaching the final months of his current contract, which expires at the end of the 2026/27 season. However, his age has not diminished his desire to compete at the highest level, and his performances continue to suggest that Liverpool may have more to gain from retaining him than allowing him to leave.
The Brazilian has made his position clear, expressing his desire to remain at Anfield beyond the current agreement. “Yes [I want to stay], in my mind and I’m focused on playing every game but in my mind I’m happy to stay,” he said after Liverpool’s victory over Crystal Palace.
Although his representatives have opened discussions with the club, no offer has been presented leaving Liverpool with an important decision over whether to offer another contract to a player who has been central to their success since 2018.
Mamardashvili’s Arrival Raises Questions About Succession
Liverpool’s recruitment of Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia was a clear indication that the club recognised the need to prepare for life after Alisson.
The Georgian international, who joined the Reds in 2025, offers a long-term goalkeeping option and is widely regarded as a potential successor to the Brazilian.
His arrival, however, should not automatically mean that Alisson’s time at Anfield is coming to an end. Planning for succession and replacing an established first-choice goalkeeper are two different decisions, particularly when the existing option remains capable of delivering at an elite level.
Mamardashvili provides Liverpool with security for the future, but the question is whether he is ready to assume the responsibility of becoming the undisputed number one in a team with ambitions of competing for major honours.
Alisson’s experience in high-pressure matches, command of his penalty area and ability to produce decisive saves remain valuable qualities.
However, his distribution has occasionally fallen below its usual standard this season as the case of the error that led to Arsenal’s goal against the Reds at Anfield, even though his performance against Crystal Palace offered a reminder of his ability to influence results.
Liverpool must therefore consider whether replacing him immediately would improve the team or simply accelerate a transition that could be managed more gradually.
The anticipated arrival of Belgian teenager Lucca Brughmans from Genk next summer also strengthens the club’s long-term options, although developing a young goalkeeper into a first-team regular requires time and careful management.
Experience Versus the Cost of a New Contract
Since joining Roma for £66.8 million in 2018, Alisson has made 347 appearances for Liverpool, keeping 141 clean sheets and scoring once, against West Bromwich Albion in 2021.
His contribution extends beyond individual statistics. He was instrumental in Liverpool’s 2018/19 Champions League triumph, keeping a clean sheet in the final against Tottenham Hotspur, before helping the club win the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup later that year.
He subsequently played a significant role in Liverpool’s 2019/20 Premier League title success, ending the club’s 30-year wait for the championship.
His collection of honours at Anfield also includes the 2022 FA Cup, two League Cups in 2022 and 2024, the 2022 Community Shield and the 2024/25 Premier League title.
Those achievements underline the experience and winning mentality Liverpool would lose if they allowed him to depart.
Nevertheless, the financial implications of another contract cannot be ignored. At 34, Alisson is unlikely to represent a long-term investment in the same way as Mamardashvili, while his salary and potential availability will be important considerations.
A lengthy extension could also complicate Liverpool’s succession plans if Mamardashvili is expected to become the first-choice goalkeeper in the coming years.
A shorter contract, perhaps extending his stay by another season, could offer a reasonable compromise. It would allow Liverpool to retain an experienced goalkeeper while giving Mamardashvili additional time to establish himself.
Why Liverpool Should Not Rush the Decision
Alisson’s willingness to remain at Anfield provides Liverpool with an opportunity to manage the transition on their own terms rather than being forced into an immediate change.
The Brazilian has also acknowledged that the team is still searching for the “consistency” required to challenge for silverware, despite having the quality and managerial leadership to compete.
His assessment reflects another reason why retaining experienced figures could be important. Liverpool are building a team with a changing core, and the presence of players familiar with the demands of competing for major trophies can help maintain standards during that process.
With Virgil van Dijk’s contract also approaching its expiry, Liverpool face important decisions concerning two players who have been fundamental to their achievements since 2018.
Juventus and other clubs have previously been linked with Alisson, but his decision to remain in Merseyside demonstrates that he is not actively seeking an exit.
Ultimately, Liverpool must distinguish between replacing an ageing goalkeeper and replacing a goalkeeper whose performances have declined beyond the level required. Alisson’s recent displays suggest those are not yet the same thing.
Mamardashvili may represent the future, but allowing Alisson to leave before Liverpool are convinced that the Georgian is ready to take over could create an unnecessary problem.
The most sensible solution may not be choosing between the two goalkeepers immediately, but finding a contract arrangement that protects Liverpool’s long-term plans without prematurely ending the contribution of one of their most accomplished players.
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