Anfield Watch
·26 November 2024
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Yahoo sportsAnfield Watch
·26 November 2024
Liverpool’s goalkeeping situation has become a real storyline this season with serious long-term implications.
The signing of Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia - but to arrive next summer - essentially secured Caoimhin Kelleher a transfer elsewhere after the end of the season.
But Alisson’s recent injury forced Kelleher back between the sticks and he once again showcased why he believes he should be a starting goalkeeper for a top flight team.
And on top of this, rumours are circling that Alisson himself may leave at the end of the season, despite Liverpool’s insistence that he is their number one.
A new report by Turkish outlet Sabah is saying that Turkish giants Galatasaray are eyeing up an approach for the Brazilian shot-stopper should he become available.
Yet, aware of interest by sides more ‘attractive’ than they are such as Barcelona, they are hoping to use the link between their legendary goalkeeper Claudio Taffarel and Alisson to lure him to Istanbul.
Tafarrel played three seasons for Galatasaray and is currently a goalkeeping coach for Alisson at both Liverpool and the Brazil national team.
Alisson actually pushed for Tafarrel’s hire at Liverpool back in 2021, reportedly as part of the deal to renew his contract until 2027, and retaining him was reportedly crucial to Alisson staying at the club last summer.
“I admire [Taffarel] in every way possible. I can see him as a friend, as a goalie coach, as a legend, and as a family man.” Alisson said back in 2022.
“The main reason I wanted to have him here was because of the methodology of goalkeeper coaching in Brazil. It’s something that I grew up with, but it changed when I came to Europe.”
“Brazilian goalkeeper technique, I feel, is one of th ebest in the world and we are good for a reason; because we have really good goalie coaches who work in a way that makes us improve every day, and not only in the technical aspect, but the physical as well.”
It’s evident just how crucial having Taffarel around is to Alisson. As a result, it’s likely that any team that wants to secure his services will have to secure Taffarel too.
Because of this, it does surprisingly put Galatasaray in the driving seat.
And whilst it may seem premature, Alisson’s departure from Anfield wouldn’t be disastrous because of the future-proofing seen in signing Mamardashvili, as well as hopefully being able to recoup a sizeable fee with a year left on his contract.
Langsung