Goalkeeping is a difficulty for Liverpool. Even if it's a pretty nice situation, coach Arne Slot still has to find a solution.
Alisson Becker is perhaps the finest goalkeeper in the world, while Caoimhín Kelleher, Slot's second-choice keeper, is widely considered to be the Premier League's top backup and maybe Alisson's long-term replacement, along with Stefan Ortega of Manchester City.
It has nearly been forgotten, however, that one of Alisson or Kelleher will probably depart this summer to make room for Slot's first significant addition as coach, Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, as Liverpool is still on track to win the Premier League, Carabao Cup, and UEFA Champions League this season.
Last August, the six-foot-six Georgian international signed a £29 million deal and was loaned back to Valencia. When Mamardashvili gets to Anfield this summer, he will compete for the starting jersey. Will the 24-year-old be content on the bench after waiting a year for the transfer?
Mamardashvili has 5 clean sheets and a 58.1% save percentage in 23 La Liga appearances for Valencia. Alisson has a 73.5% save percentage for Liverpool in the Premier League. Kelleher, with a 72.7% save percentage, has comparable numbers to Alisson in his 8 Premier League games.
After making a mistake that resulted in a goal during Saturday's 2-1 victory over bottom-place Real Valladolid, Mamardashvili, who has had a challenging season on a losing squad, posted a message on Instagram to acknowledge his bad play this season.
Alisson is doing well, while Mamardashvili is struggling, possibly due to Liverpool's interest. Liverpool is ahead 1-0 against Ligue 1 leaders, thanks to Alisson's performance in the first leg.
It was among the most amazing individual displays by a goalie in the history of the Champions League. Alisson made nine saves against PSG, the highest by a Liverpool goalie in a Champions League match since Opta started keeping track of statistics in 2003–04.
Liverpool must decide whether to keep Alisson as their top goalkeeper or trade him before his contract situation becomes complicated next year. This decision also involves letting go of 26-year-old Kelleher.
Liverpool can extend Alisson's contract until June 2027, giving him the option to stay until he's 34.
Alisson wants regular playing time and may stay at Liverpool this summer, potentially leading to Kelleher leaving.
After permitting Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, and Mohamed Salah to reach the last six months of their contracts simultaneously this season, Liverpool would have to make a difficult choice if Saudi interest resurfaces this summer.
Liverpool cannot afford to make the same error with Alisson, particularly if delaying would force Kelleher to move on. If Liverpool are unable to make a decision on Alisson and Kelleher, Mamardashvili, the forgotten guy, may be anything at the club next season—first choice, benchwarmer, or loaned out again.
Slot, however, is in a good position since he only has to choose between three excellent goalkeepers.