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One of Liverpool's two first-choice goalkeepers is anticipated to depart the club at the conclusion of this season, presenting a significant challenge for Andoni Iraola to resolve next summer.
Alisson Becker has been Liverpool's undisputed number one since arriving at the club in 2018. However, his remarkable, trophy-filled tenure on Merseyside may be drawing to a close, with the 33-year-old's contract set to expire next summer.
The Brazilian, who has recently been linked with a transfer to Juventus, could realistically walk away when his deal concludes, with Giorgi Mamardashvili originally expected to take over from him.
The ex-Valencia shot-stopper was recruited following a standout Euro 2024 tournament with Georgia, remaining in Spain for an additional year until 2025. Yet he has struggled to impress across his 21 appearances for the Reds, naturally raising questions about his long-term prospects at the club.
Speaking on the Walk On podcast, Liverpool correspondent for The Athletic, James Pearce, acknowledged that one of the club's goalkeepers looks set to move on next summer — either Alisson departing as a free agent, or Mamardashvili seeking a move for more consistent playing time.
"If Alisson does stay, Mamardashvili isn't going to tolerate being backup for a third successive season," said Pearce.
"If Alisson stays, that probably means that Mamardashvili goes, and then they've invested a lot of money in this young Belgian goalkeeper, Lucca Brughmans. Then you've got [Vítězslav] Jaroš; he'll be back [from injury] in a few months. They've got Ármin Pécsi, who's out on loan in Austria at the moment.
"I get the feeling that they're quite happy with what they've got further down the line in terms of five, six, seven years' time, but the immediate future is really uncertain."
Liverpool's Goalkeeping Dilemma Analyzed
On the surface, renewing Alisson's contract appears to be an obvious decision. He still stands among the finest goalkeepers in the world when fit and, despite turning 34 next week, has the quality to perform at the highest level for several more years.
Nevertheless, Alisson's fitness record remains the primary obstacle to a contract extension. His recurring injury problems in recent seasons have frequently forced Liverpool to rely on his understudy — previously Caoimhín Kelleher, and now Mamardashvili.
Alisson has featured in no more than 35 matches across all competitions in each of his last three seasons, meaning he has missed 73 games through 11 separate injury or illness absences. Hamstring issues have been a recurring concern in particular.
It is therefore logical for Liverpool to consider a future without Alisson, yet Mamardashvili's unconvincing displays in the veteran's absence have only deepened an already complicated situation.
While capable of producing spectacular saves as a shot-stopper, the Georgian's erratic distribution and tendency for costly mistakes have made him an inconsistent deputy. Liverpool's recent Carabao Cup win against Tottenham Hotspur perfectly illustrated Mamardashvili's contrasting qualities.
Deciding between Alisson and Mamardashvili will be no easy task.
Are Liverpool's Young Guns Ready to Step Up?
Liverpool's decision to invest heavily in 18-year-old goalkeeper Lucca Brughmans during the summer window suggests a degree of uncertainty surrounding both Alisson and Mamardashvili's futures at the club.
The talented teenager has been sent back to Genk on loan for this campaign, though there is a belief he could be ready to contribute to the Reds' setup next season.
Brughmans has already clocked up 18 appearances for the Belgian side and will accumulate further valuable minutes before the season ends. That experience positions him as a potential backup option for Liverpool in the near term, though he is unlikely to be trusted as the club's first-choice goalkeeper anytime soon — unless he produces an extraordinary campaign at Genk.
Pécsi, acquired in 2025 as a prospect for the future, also remains some way from making a meaningful contribution at Liverpool, with the 21-year-old currently on loan in Austria with TSV Hartberg — where he has established himself as their starting goalkeeper.
Meanwhile, Jaroš, who has been part of the Liverpool setup since 2020, appears unlikely to secure a permanent role at Anfield despite loan stints at Sturm Graz and Ajax, and a permanent exit could be on the horizon.
While Iraola has some encouraging long-term options available, Liverpool will need to commit to either Alisson or Mamardashvili next season if they are to avoid further significant expenditure in the goalkeeping department.