Liverpool have today announced the capture of the most expensive goalkeeper in football history. Alisson has made the move from Roma to Merseyside after Liverpool’s record-breaking £67 million bid was accepted on Wednesday.
The fee is nearly double the previous record, set by Manchester City following their signing of Ederson last summer. The figure comes as no real surprise given the Brazilian’s superb performances for the Italian giants last season, resulting in him being named in the Serie A team of the season. Many pundits, from England and Italy alike, have lauded the 25-year-old as arguably the best ‘keeper in the world, which explains the hefty price that Liverpool had to pay. Following Loris Karius’ disastrous performance in the Champions League Final in May, and a less-than-convincing start to pre-season, Jürgen Klopp decided to act fast in signing Alisson, staving off interest from Chelsea and Real Madrid in the progress. It is a huge coup for the Merseysiders, and there is no doubt that Liverpool fans will now be rejoicing that a replacement for Karius has been found, and what an excellent replacement he should prove to be.
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In other Liverpool goalkeeper related news, the Reds have reached an agreement with LEICESTER CITY over the sale of Welsh stopper, Danny Ward, for a fee in the region of £10 million. It is not yet known whether he will replace or offer competition to Kasper Schmeichel, who has been strongly linked with a possible move to either Chelsea or Roma. If the Dane does sign for the Londoners, it will pave the way for Thibaut Courtois to complete a move to Real Madrid. The coming days will be very interesting in the goalkeeper merry-go-round.
CHELSEA have also been heavily linked with the CSKA Moscow midfielder Aleksandr Golovin, following his impressive showings for the hosts at the World Cup. Juventus and Barcelona and also interested in signing the 22-year-old, with some Russian media outlets claiming Barca had a £26.8 million bid rebuffed by CSKA. Chelsea are said to be in pole position, but as of yet, have not submitted a formal bid for the Russian playmaker.
EVERTON are thought to be planning a raid on London with potential moves for Arsenal’s Danny Welbeck and Watford’s Richarlison. Welbeck is in the last 12 months of his contract and may be an easier target for the Blues, with the relationship between themselves and Watford still a little bit frosty after the debacle involving their new manager, Marco Silva. The Merseysiders are also in talks to sign Bordeaux winger, Malcolm, although it is rumoured that the highly-coveted Brazilian would prefer a move to Italy. Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha is also said to be on Everton’s radar, but would command a fee upwards of £50 million. With two wingers potentially coming in, it is likely that two will exit Goodison Park this summer. Yannick Bolasie will be shown the door after struggling to make his mark after a lengthy knee injury, and RB Leipzig are set to make a third bid for Ademola Lookman, who enjoyed a very productive loan spell with the German side last season. Everton want £20 million for the youngster.
FULHAM are reportedly looking to sign David Lopez from Espanyol, who has a buyout clause of £35 million. The 28-year-old can either play at centre-back or as a defensive midfielder. The Cottagers are also interested in signing Southampton defender Matt Targett, who impressed during his loan spell at Craven Cottage last season.
WEST HAM and NEWCASTLE are both interested in Mexico international Diego Reyes. The centre-back is a free agent following the expiry of his contract at FC Porto, and at the age of 25, has plenty of years ahead of him to make an impact on the Premier League.
BRIGHTON are close to signing Percy Tau from Mamelodi Sundowns. The winger would then be loaned out to a club in Europe in order to help gain his work permit application. The Seagulls are also interested in Reading centre-back Liam Moore.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR remain interested in Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish. It is thought that Villa would demand a fee around the £30 million mark for the young midfielder, and talks are underway between the two clubs.