Alisson stay is crucial but only postpones Liverpool's big call

The Reds' No.1 is set to remain at Anfield this summer, but a major decision in the goalkeeping department still awaits.

As this summer approached, it was far from certain that Alisson Becker would be Liverpool’s first-choice goalkeeper for the coming season.

The Reds may have triggered a one-year extension clause in the Brazilian’s contract in March, tying him to Anfield until 2027, but that was considered purely a business decision aimed at preserving value.

And it certainly did not put off Juventus, who began plotting a move that it is understood Alisson was - at the very least - open to exploring.

As such, with the transfer window approaching, there was a growing feeling that, if the right offer arrived and the player pushed to go, Liverpool would sanction a deal in recognition of his contributions.

From the club’s perspective, there would have been some sense to cashing in on a 33-year-old who has not broken 30 games in the Premier League across the last three seasons due to injuries.

The Reds have often been criticised for allowing too many players to depart on free transfers in recent history, and ultimately the only way to avoid that is to make sales that might prove unpopular, such as this one.

However, as the weeks ticked by, it became clear that factors unrelated to Alisson were influencing whether it would, indeed, be smart to let him go.

Most crucial among them was Liverpool losing two senior dressing room figures in Mohamed Salah and Ibrahima Konate prior to the summer getting under way.

In the case of the latter, not only was his departure unexpected, it also took away vital experience from the defensive unit.

As much as there is huge belief in Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni internally, they are likely to need guidance as they take their first steps at Anfield, and it is in this context that losing both Konate and Alisson in one summer could not be countenanced.

The uncertainty around a succession plan doubtless played its part, too, with Giorgi Mamardashvili hardly inspiring confidence that he is ready to step up as things stand.

The Georgian has been at Anfield for a year now, but has yet to underline exactly why Liverpool were so keen to sign him.

Mamardashvili may have proved himself to be an incredible shot-stopper at Valencia, but it is now clear that his failings with the ball at his feet during his time in La Liga cannot be blamed on any manager’s instruction to go long.

So, was it that Liverpool thought they could iron out this problem on the training ground? Or did they feel they might be about to move away from a style where it mattered?