Liverpool are bracing themselves for a ‘jaw-dropping’ Saudi Arabian offer for their star goalkeeper Alisson Becker
Former England international David James feels Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker should reject the lure of the Saudi Pro League to surpass the legendary Petr Cech’s record in the Premier League.
Since arriving at Liverpool from AS Roma in the summer of 2018, Alisson Becker has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in world football. He has been one of the Reds’ best players in the Jurgen Klopp era, playing a key role in our Champions League and Premier League triumphs.
The Brazil international has attracted interest from the cash-rich Saudi Pro League in recent weeks and months. Earlier this week, reports surfaced that a ‘jaw-dropping’ package would be sent to lure the 31-year-old to the Middle East.
David James has declared Alisson “the best in the world” and wants him to stay with the Reds to better Cech’s extraordinary Premier League record. Cech holds a Premier League record for the most clean sheets—207 in 443 appearances combined for Chelsea and Arsenal.
“I’m a big Alisson fan and I think he’s the best goalkeeper in the world,” he said speaking to Best Online Poker Sites,” James said speaking to Best Online Poker Sites (h/t Liverpool ECHO)
“I’m probably slightly biased, maybe because I’m ex-Liverpool or maybe because he’s such a lovely guy, but he’s a top draw goalkeeper and I don’t think there’s any debate about that.
“If Alisson stays at Liverpool – I know there’s a lot of chat about a transfer to Saudi Arabia – then he could surpass Cech. He has to do a lot of things as a goalkeeper now that Cech perhaps didn’t in a different era, so it’s difficult to compare, but I think he could move past him in the next few years.”
Liverpool are entering a new era under Arne Slot after Jurgen Klopp’s departure in May following nine fantastic years. However, the Reds are yet to get going in the summer transfer window with no new signings done. Instead, they have lost experienced heads such as Joel Matip, Thiago Alcantara and Adrian on free transfers.
The exit of Adrian means Arne Slot is now left with two experienced shot-stoppers in Alisson and Caoimhin Kelleher. Kelleher has expressed his desire to become a No.1 after the most productive campaign of his career last time out, while Alisson continues to be heavily linked with a move to the Middle East.
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As far as Alisson is concerned, there are no double thoughts about him being one of the best in his position in the last four to five years. He has been a transformative signing for Liverpool, adding quality, class and leadership skills on and off the pitch.
Despite turning 31 and injuries slowly starting to creep in—as evidenced this past campaign—the Brazilian is still among the most influential glovesmen in the Premier League and can still deliver at the highest level for at least two years. He has amassed 88 clean sheets in 201 Premier League appearances, and if the shot-stopper stays in England and keeps performing at the same level, he can get close to Cech’s record or may even surpass it.
We sincerely hope Alisson stays put at Liverpool rather than move to the Saudi Pro League as he is a figure who is extremely difficult to replace for the club’s top officials.
