Liverpool have made Roma’s Alisson the world’s most expensive goalkeeper by signing him on a six-year deal. The Reds have not revealed how much they have paid for the Brazil number one but Roma said the deal is worth up to £66.8m (72.5m euros). The previous record fee for a keeper was the 53m euros paid by Juventus to Parma for Gianluigi Buffon in 2001. The Premier League record for a keeper is the 40m euros Manchester City paid Benfica for Ederson in June 2017. Buffon’s deal was worth £32.6m at the time, while Ederson’s was worth £35m because of changing exchange rates, but as most deals between clubs in Europe, including the Premier League, are completed in euros Buffon’s deal is recognised as the record.
“In terms of my life and my career, it’s a huge step for me being part of this club and this family,” said the 25-year-old. He has been at Roma for two years, playing 37 Serie A games in 2017-18. Alisson said the move was a “dream come true” and revealed Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah, who he used to play with at Roma, had sent him a message before he completed the move to Anfield. “Yesterday, he sent me a message saying: ‘Hey, what are you waiting for?’ As the negotiations were at an advanced stage, I replied to him straight away saying: ‘Calm down, I’m on my way!’
“I’m really happy to have the opportunity to play alongside him again. As well as being a great player, he is a huge character and a great person – which is the most important thing.” Alisson is Liverpool’s fourth major signing since they finished the 2017-18 season fourth in the Premier League and were beaten by Real Madrid in the Champions League final.
Reds have long been linked with Brazil international – but transfer has rarely been straightforward. It’s the transfer saga that has gripped the Liverpool fanbase for much of the year. And now, finally, it is over. The Brazil international is the most expensive shot-stopper on the planet after passing his medical and penning a lucrative six-year contract.
With the money from Philippe Coutinho’s sale burning a hole in their pocket, Liverpool nevertheless make it clear they aren’t chasing a new goalkeeper. Loris Karius will be given a chance to prove his worth. Karius has responded well to the challenge, prompting Liverpool to cool interest in Allison. They’ve informed his representatives not to expect a bid this summer, as things stand.
The Champions League defeat to Real Madrid, and the painful blunders by Loris Karius, prompted Jurgen Klopp to reappraise his goalkeeper situation. Alisson is one of the names on his list. Agent Bobby did his bit. Roberto Firmino admitted he has been telling Alisson all about life at Anfield. “Yes, he asked me about Liverpool and I hope he can come here,” he says. “It wouldn’t be bad if he came to Liverpool.”
As concerns over Karius grow, the Reds finally make their move as they lodge a £62million offer for Alisson with Roma. Talks begin, with Roma holding out for more than £66m. Alisson is at Anfield at last – but it’s not a happy time for him as Roma are thumped 5-2 in their Champions League semi-final first leg. None of the goals were his fault, though.
