The Liverpool squad continues to undergo a transformation following Jurgen Klopp’s departure.
Having seen some stalwarts of the club leave over the past couple of years, Klopp’s own exit brought home that more will soon follow.
It has truly been a golden period in the club’s history under Klopp. Players became genuine Liverpool legends working with the German.
The past couple of years has seen many of them leave. Gini Wijnaldum was the first to go, soon followed by Sadio Mane, Jordan Henderson, James Milner and Roberto Firmino.
There had been worry that this summer could see more on the chopping block. Mystery remains over the futures of Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah especially. But according to journalist Fabrizio Romano, another of Klopp’s ‘untouchables’ has now received some offers, too.
Saudis make approach for Alisson Becker
Liverpool will not want to lose either Van Dijk or Salah. But after what happened with the Saudi Arabian clubs last year, worry will linger over those two.
For now though, it seems like Arne Slot is planning for life with both onboard. That’s really good news.
Another who has been in the spotlight is Alisson Becker. After another really good – albeit injury-hit – season, Alisson is reportedly on the radar for the Saudi Pro League sides.
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, those teams have even gone as far as making approaches about signing the goalkeeper this summer.
However, speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano confirms that for the moment, Alisson has turned down these offers.
“In the last few days we’ve had rumours of Alisson and Saudi,” began the transfer expert. “I was checking on that, what I’m told is that there was some approach in March, April for Alisson, trying to understand the situation.
“But the answer I got – and never say never in the market – but as of now Alisson is expected to stay at Liverpool. Liverpool are not planning to change, they’re very happy with Alisson, he’s very happy at Liverpool. He’s not desperate to change, he’s not looking for money.
“So, at the moment the situation is very quiet because the approaches were weeks ago.”
Did Steven Gerrard make approach for Alisson?
While it’s superb that Alisson is happy and not going anywhere, this does still induce anxiety.
Money is obviously no object to many of the sides who would be interested in taking the Brazilian to the Middle East.
Should they come back with a massive contract offer for Alisson, there’s still a chance he could change his mind.
The summer is long and Ali’s close friends Fabinho and Firmino are already over in Saudi. You can see why he could be convinced. Any encouragement, and the Pro League clubs would surely jump at the chance to sign a player Ben Foster recently called ‘incredible‘.
One team who reportedly will not be trying to sign Liverpool’s No.1 though is Steven Gerrard’s Al Ettifaq.
With Gerrard bringing in goalkeeping coach John Achterberg, there were suggestions that he would then target Alisson.
However, that reportedly is not the case, with Al Ettifaq not financially able to cover a deal. Let’s hope the other clubs have now got the picture, too.