Liverpool’s goalkeeping department is still not settled ahead of some potential changes during the summer transfer window.
Heading into the window, it had felt probable that Alisson Becker would leave the Reds, opening up a spot in reserve as Giorgi Mamardashvili moved up to the No. 1 role.
But with Liverpool yet to be convinced over Mamardashvili, they have asked Alisson to stay and see out the final year of his contract. All being well, the Brazilian – who made it through to the last-16 of the World Cup on Monday – will be first choice for Andoni Iraola.
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While that is clearly good news, it does open up the possibility that Mamardashvili could leave Liverpool, either permanently or on loan, as he looks for more game time. In that scenario, the Reds will need a new No. 2, one who possesses the potential to replace Alisson in 2027.
After his impressive displays at the World Cup with Japan, including against Alisson and Brazil, Parma’s Zion Suzuki should be considered as an option.
Zion Suzuki should be on Liverpool’s radar
There have already been suggestions that Suzuki could leave Parma after two years with the Italian side, with claims that an offer of €30m could be enough to snatch him.
Based on his showings in the USA, Canada and Mexico, that will be a bargain for somebody. Suzuki made four saves against Brazil on Monday, almost single-handedly keeping Japan in the game at times. The 23-year-old also stopped four efforts against both Sweden and the Netherlands during the group stage.
With Alisson watching on largely untroubled at the other end on Monday, he will no doubt have appreciated his opposite number’s performance.
Though it would be a step up for Suzuki from Parma to Liverpool, a year as Alisson’s understudy, as Mamardashvili has done, could see him ready to take over in 2027/28.
Mamardashvili decision will be key to Liverpool’s plans
All of this obviously hinges on what Mamardashvili decides to do this summer.
It would be understandable if the Georgian had expected to take over from Alisson next season, and there is a possibility that he had been told as much would happen when signing for Liverpool in 2024.
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As undecided as the Reds may be on handing him the permanent No. 1 shirt, Mamardashvili is still an accomplished goalkeeper who could easily start for plenty of good teams across Europe.
With Alisson very likely to stick around for another year, few could blame his back-up if he felt the need to go.
A loan would perhaps feel a more likely scenario, but, even then, it would make sense to bring someone like Suzuki in to ensure Liverpool have enough top-quality cover for the season.
If Mamardashvili decides he is happy playing second-fiddle to Alisson – and banking on the Brazilian to have another injury-hit season – then this is obviously a non-starter.
But there are question marks over the 25-year-old’s long-term suitability to take over from Liverpool’s long-serving shot-stopper, and with Suzuki seemingly available this summer, the perfect opportunity to try something different may be presenting itself.
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