Liverpool deal with “luxury problem” as summer decision looms | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Goalkeeping Depth Presents ‘Luxury Problem’

Alisson Remains Undisputed No 1

Some positions take care of themselves. At Liverpool, Alisson Becker between the sticks is one of them. Despite injuries this season, no one doubts the Brazilian’s standing. And now, former Reds keeper Sander Westerveld has described the club’s situation as a “luxury problem” as they prepare for next season.

Photo IMAGO

Speaking to The Athletic, Westerveld said: “It’s obviously for the No 2 spot, as Alisson will be the No 1.” No ambiguity. No debate. Just confirmation of what most already suspected.

Photo: IMAGO

The arrival of Giorgi Mamardashvili, currently on loan at Valencia, has raised eyebrows. But the Georgian is not coming to Anfield to oust Alisson—at least not yet. Instead, his arrival puts the spotlight squarely on Caoimhin Kelleher.

Photo: IMAGO

Dilemma Over Kelleher’s Future

Kelleher’s reputation continues to grow. Reliable, agile and composed, he’s featured across all competitions this season and shown he can handle pressure. But with just one year left on his contract after this summer, his future is up for debate.

Westerveld, who knows what it means to wear the gloves at Anfield, was candid: “With Kelleher, I think his time has come to play regularly as a No 1 somewhere… he needs to play.”

Photo IMAGO

For Liverpool, the conundrum is clear. Keep one of Europe’s best No 2s—or sell now while his value is high, rather than risk losing him for nothing in 2026.

Rotation Not the Right Fit

The Dutchman also addressed whether Liverpool could rotate goalkeepers: “I only think you can do it if you’re playing 60 games in a season… otherwise the goalkeeper loses momentum.” It’s a fair point. Slot’s Liverpool might not need 60-game campaigns to succeed, but they do need consistency in goal.

Mamardashvili is young, hungry, and technically excellent—perfect for the backup role Westerveld envisions: “You should have a No 1 and a good backup… like Kelleher, who shows himself and the quality.”

Photo by IMAGO

Planning Beyond Next Season

While Westerveld is confident in Liverpool’s pecking order, it’s clear the club must make some hard decisions soon. Whether it’s Kelleher staying to fight or moving on, the goalkeeping unit at Anfield is set to evolve.

And as Westerveld concludes: “At the moment, Liverpool are having a luxury problem and hopefully we can have that next season, too.” Most clubs would love to have that problem.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

There’s something uniquely reassuring about Liverpool’s goalkeeping situation right now. In a world of transfer speculation and tactical reinvention, one truth remains unshaken: Alisson is still the best in the world. And behind him? Well, that’s where things get both exciting and complicated.

Kelleher has proven himself again and again—he’s not just a back-up, he’s a match-winner. The idea that he might leave isn’t easy to swallow, but it makes sense. At 26, he deserves regular football, and fans would wish him well if he moved on.

But let’s not ignore the buzz around Mamardashvili either. If you’ve watched him at Valencia, you know he’s not just a squad-filler. He’s agile, brave, and built for high-tempo football. That he’s arriving to challenge for the No 2 shirt only reinforces the club’s long-term vision.

Whether it’s fixture congestion or injuries, Liverpool need more than one elite keeper. And right now, we’ve got three.

This really is a “luxury problem”—and it’s one we’d love to keep having.