Alisson Drops Bombshell About His Liverpool Future—Do the Reds Need to Lock Him Down Now?

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker made his intentions clear about remaining at the club beyond his current contract expiring next summer, declaring his "will is to stay," as contract extension discussions continue.

Alisson is now in his ninth campaign with Liverpool since arriving from Roma in the summer of 2018. The Brazilian shot-stopper developed into one of, if not the finest, goalkeeper in the world during his spell at Anfield, helping the club claim 10 trophies, including a Champions League and the club's first two Premier League crowns.

The Reds activated a clause to extend Alisson's deal by an additional year last summer. At 34, the Brazilian is no longer at the absolute peak of his abilities, yet he remains Liverpool's undisputed first-choice between the sticks. Following the 3–1 victory over Crystal Palace at the weekend, Alisson addressed his future and confirmed his desire to extend his stay on Merseyside.

"Yes, in my mind," Alisson said, per Sky Sports, when questioned about continuing at the club. "I'm focused on playing every game, but in my mind, I'm happy to stay. You know, that depends on a lot of aspects and different situations.

"But my will is to stay. I'm happy here, my family is happy here. I'm still hungry for titles and for delivering good performances. I still want to play at the top level for as long as I can. So that's my thinking on that."

Should Liverpool Renew Alisson's Contract?

Alisson's remarks about his future followed what was arguably his finest display of the season — a six-save performance against Crystal Palace — and his impressive showing comes just days after Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola expressed his hope for the Brazilian to "continue with us for more time."

However, there's no denying that Alisson is no longer the goalkeeper he was five years ago. He can still perform at an exceptionally high level, but the consistency isn't quite what it once was. Liverpool remain a defensive work in progress under Iraola, and Alisson has managed just four clean sheets across 14 starts in all competitions this season while conceding 20 goals.

Perhaps the most significant concern that may give Liverpool pause when weighing up a contract renewal is Alisson's fitness record. Injuries have become a recurring theme for the Brazilian over the past three seasons, with the goalkeeper missing at least two months each campaign since the start of 2023–24.

When fit, however, Alisson remains comfortably Liverpool's best option in goal, which could play a major role in the club deciding to extend his deal. Giorgi Mamardashvili has been adequate but has done little to threaten Alisson's starting spot since arriving as his backup last summer. His original intended successor and now Brentford goalkeeper, Caoimhín Kelleher, would have been a stronger candidate to take over from the Brazilian.

With Alisson between the posts, Liverpool have barely had to think about the goalkeeper position for nearly a decade — no small luxury, as the club knows all too well from the Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius era.

It's not as though the club are facing a goalkeeping crisis. With other areas requiring attention, tying Alisson — one of the squad's veteran leaders — down to a short-term extension could prove to be shrewd business by Liverpool, provided the Brazilian's demands are in line with his current output.

The Time Has Come to Decide Future of Two Liverpool Legends

Alisson isn't the only club legend Liverpool risk losing on a free transfer next summer, with Virgil van Dijk's contract also set to expire at the end of the season.

Van Dijk arrived at the club six months before Alisson. The £75 million ($100.7 million) Liverpool spent on the Dutch centre-back and the close to £70 million ($94 million) they invested in the Brazilian shot-stopper six months later represented the club's two most expensive signings until the summer of 2025.

The pair transformed a shaky backline, and Liverpool lifted the 2018–19 Champions League in their first season together, before claiming the club's first Premier League title the following campaign. Both players have remained key contributors in the years that followed.

Much like Alisson, Van Dijk may be past his peak but continues to feature prominently as Liverpool's captain. His finest days may be behind him, yet he remains capable of putting in commanding performances week after week.

The Reds now face the prospect of losing both club legends for nothing, adding them to a growing list that includes Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ibrahima Konaté — players who have departed Liverpool in recent years without the club receiving any transfer fee in return.

Van Dijk and Alisson are unquestionably two of Liverpool's most influential dressing room figures, and while the club may be in a period of transition, losing both in the same summer would represent a significant setback both on and off the pitch.