Worries over Alisson Becker’s long-term suitability as Liverpool’s number one goalkeeper deepened on Friday after news emerged of yet another injury for the Brazilian.
Alisson missed the first-leg of the Champions League last-16 tie with Galatasaray with a suspected hamstring problem, and though he has since played twice, has been ruled out of Saturday’s match against Brighton.
The setback comes as rumours swirl over a summer exit for Alisson, and although Liverpool recently triggered a one-year extension to his contract, there is a degree of uncertainty over the 33-year-old’s role next season.
Arne Slot’s expected front three without Salah, what changes would you make? 🔄
No room for Rio again! Salah is ruled out vs Brighton and Frimpong is a doubt. Looks like Gakpo will return…
With Giorgi Mamardashvili waiting in the wings, Liverpool know they have a capable goalkeeper ready to step in. And though reports suggest that Alisson is keen to stay at Anfield, his recurrent injuries – and Mamardashvili’s readiness to compete – might mean he has to accept life as a back-up in 2026/27.
Liverpool must transition from Alisson to Mamardashvili
Ask any top-level coach for their opinion on rotating between two top goalkeepers and they will likely tell you that it simply does not work.
However, that is essentially what Liverpool have been doing for the past three seasons now.
After the Brighton match, Alisson will have missed a total of 26 Premier League matches across that period. For a goalkeeper, that is a frightening number.
READ MORE: Liverpool sweating on Dominik Szoboszlai and Hugo Ekitike for Brighton clash
It is why Liverpool decided to go big on Mamardashvili, and although the Georgian will obviously want more game time, he is still getting far more than he would as a number two elsewhere.
Next season, if Alisson does end up sticking about, the best idea might be to use it as a full-on transitional campaign for the two goalkeepers.
With Alisson’s kicking becoming a clear problem for him, it may make sense to make Mamardashvili the designated number one, and bring the Brazil international back for certain matches and cup games.
If Alisson continues playing week-on-week, there is a chance that his injuries worsen and recovery time lengthens. In order to protect against that, while still being able to count on him, Arne Slot can lean on Mamardashvili much more.
What should Liverpool do with Alisson Becker? 🐐
Liverpool are triggering that extension to 2027… but the summer exit door is still wide open 🚪😬
Giorgi Mamardashvili will be watching closely…
No need to push Alisson out
With Alisson happy to stay put, there is some logic in Liverpool taking a ‘wait and see’ approach here.
Having said that, Mamardashvili will be impatient to play, and although that alone does not mean he should take over duties from Alisson, Liverpool do owe the 25-year-old a degree of certainty over his role.
This year, that has clearly been as an understudy to the long time number one, but there have been murmurings that he will not accept the same for a second season.
As a result, all signs point towards Liverpool starting to phase Alisson out in 26/27. There is a chance that he leaves before that, of course, but the Reds should absolutely not be actively forcing him out of the door.
Having two top-class goalkeepers is better than having one, but with Alisson’s availability continuing to prove fragile, it will soon be time for Liverpool to take decisive action and limit his game time. Both players deserve clarity, and while Alisson has arguably been the best goalie in Liverpool history, the time is coming for him to pass the mantle.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
