Liverpool's Alisson Future: Key Decision for New Coach Iraola
Liverpool face a defining decision over Alisson’s future, with incoming head coach Andoni Iraola set for immediate talks to determine whether the Brazilian will remain at Anfield beyond the summer.
The goalkeeping situation drops onto Iraola’s desk at a moment of upheaval. Arne Slot, who only last year delivered Liverpool’s 20th Premier League title in his debut campaign, was sacked on Saturday after an end-of-season review led by Fenway Sports Group chiefs, including chief executive Michael Edwards and sporting director Richard Hughes.
Slot’s title win had bought him time in theory. In reality, a bruising second season eroded that credit. Crucially, he lost the backing of the supporters. Once that bond snapped, FSG did not hesitate.
Now Liverpool move quickly. Talks with Iraola will accelerate in the coming days as the club push to finalise his appointment before the World Cup kicks off on June 11. Hughes knows exactly what he is getting: he was the man who brought the Basque coach to Bournemouth in July 2023 and remains a firm admirer.
Alisson, though, may not be part of Iraola’s Liverpool.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Brazil international intends to tell the new coach that he considers his Liverpool career over. The report claims Slot’s dismissal has “restored hope” at Juventus that they can lure the 31-year-old away from Anfield and install him as their undisputed No 1.
An agreement in principle is already in place between Alisson and Juve, the Italian outlet says, for an initial three-year deal with an option for a fourth season.
For now, Liverpool have blocked his departure, in line with previous briefings from within the club. That stance, however, could shift once Iraola and Hughes sit down with the goalkeeper.
Everything hinges on Iraola’s judgement. If he decides to build around Giorgi Mamardashvili as his first-choice goalkeeper, or insists on recruiting a new No 1, the door could finally open for Alisson to join Juventus. The Brazilian has no desire to share the role or fight for minutes; he wants a clear guarantee, something Juve are prepared to offer.
Liverpool, for their part, have already started planning for the worst-case scenario.
The club have identified Brighton & Hove Albion’s Bart Verbruggen as a potential successor should Alisson force through his exit. The Dutchman is viewed as a long-term option, but Liverpool are deeply reluctant to trigger such a chain reaction this summer.
The context matters. Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson are already heading for the exit, taking with them years of elite-level experience and dressing-room authority. Ibrahima Konaté has also confirmed he will leave on a free transfer after contract talks collapsed. Losing Alisson on top of that would strip yet another pillar from a squad already bracing for a seismic reset.
That is why Liverpool have, to this point, resisted Juventus’ interest and any attempt to push a deal over the line. Yet Alisson’s stance is firm: he wants the move. He wants clarity over his status. He does not want a season of rotation or uncertainty with Mamardashvili or any other contender.
While the Alisson saga gathers pace, Liverpool are simultaneously driving ahead with their attacking rebuild. The club are pushing hard to secure their preferred successor to Salah, determined not to let their forward line drift into a post-icon hangover.
A new head coach. A restless No 1. A legendary core breaking up. Iraola walks into a club still chasing trophies, but first he must answer a blunt question: can Liverpool afford to lose Alisson now, or is this one cornerstone they dare not remove?
