Alisson Says He Wants to Stay at Liverpool Past This Season
Two of Liverpool's longest-serving players are on contracts that end this summer, and one of them has now spoken. Goalkeeper Alisson Becker says he wants to stay.
Two decisions for Julian Ward
Virgil van Dijk's deal also expires at the end of the season. Sporting director Julian Ward must decide the futures of both men, who have been fixtures at the club since 2018.
Alisson has been here before. Last season he looked at his options, but Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson were leaving, so he signed a one-year extension. Earlier this year he also considered a move to Juventus and decided against it.
The goalkeepers behind him
Alternatives exist. Giorgi Mamardashvili is 26 and already at the club. Lucca Brughmans, 18, is due to come from Genk in the summer.
Andoni Iraola named Alisson one of his vice-captains when the season began.
What Alisson said
The 34-year-old arrived from Roma in 2018 for £66.8m and has made 347 appearances. Asked about his plans, he said that in his mind he is happy to stay, even though his focus is on each game.
He said the outcome depends on several circumstances. "My will is to stay - I'm happy here and my family is happy here," he said. He added that he still wants titles and wants to play at the top level for as long as he can.
Asked whether he had spoken to the club about a new deal, he answered no, but said his agent is talking with Liverpool. A week earlier Iraola had said he did not know if this would be the keeper's last season, and hoped he could "continue for more time".
A shaky week and a strong Sunday
Liverpool lost to Arsenal and then to Fenerbahce. Against Crystal Palace on Sunday they won, and Alisson made several important saves.
Alisson was frank about the team's level. Liverpool do well in many games, he said, but consistency is missing.
He said the squad can achieve great things and the group is building towards a point where it feels it has everything needed to win. Patience is needed, though as players "we don't have time to waste".
The record so far: four clean sheets in 10 Premier League games, and 10 goals conceded in four Champions League matches. Alisson has played every minute in both competitions.
Source: BBC Sport