Liverpool goalkeeper decision looms over Alisson and Giorgi Mamardashvili

Liverpool are moving towards one of the most delicate squad calls of the coming months, with the futures of Alisson Becker and Giorgi Mamardashvili closely intertwined. There is no immediate finality to the situation, but the direction of travel is becoming clearer, and it points towards a significant decision on the goalkeeping department before next season.

According to Fabrizio Romano on his YouTube channel, Liverpool no longer hold complete control over Alisson’s next step. “Liverpool are no longer masters of Alisson’s destiny, let’s put it that way,” he said. That is an important shift. Liverpool previously had contractual mechanisms to strengthen their position, but with those no longer in play, the experienced Brazil international has greater autonomy over what happens next.

That matters because his stance appears to have evolved. After earlier signs that he could be approaching the end of his Anfield chapter, Alisson has since indicated a desire to remain beyond his current deal. In isolation, that would be welcome news for a club that has relied on his authority, distribution and big-game presence for years. In practice, however, it complicates the pathway for Mamardashvili.

Mamardashvili waiting for clarity

The Georgia international has been patient, but there is a growing sense that patience has a limit. Romano explained the issue plainly, stating: “There is certainly a possibility that Alisson will remain at Liverpool. However, the situation involving him and Giorgi Mamardashvili is becoming increasingly complicated.

“This is because Mamardashvili is not a player who wants to remain a backup goalkeeper indefinitely. He is playing second-fiddle while waiting for the door to open for a starting spot at Liverpool and at some point, a decision will have to be made.”

Photo: IMAGO

That assessment aligns with the wider picture. A goalkeeper of Mamardashvili’s age, profile and salary, reported by Capology to be around £100,000 per week, is unlikely to accept an open-ended reserve role. Liverpool may admire his potential, but succession planning only works if the player in line believes the succession is genuinely coming.

Alisson future still open

There remains enough uncertainty for all outcomes to stay alive. Romano’s reading is that Alisson could still depart if the right proposal emerges, even after signalling that he would be happy to stay. “In my opinion, Alisson remains a name to keep an eye on,” said the transfer expert. “If the right opportunity were to arise I wouldn’t be surprised if Alisson were to leave in the summer. Liverpool will speak to him to decide his future in the coming months.”

For Liverpool, the challenge is timing. Delay the call for too long and they risk frustrating Mamardashvili. Move on from Alisson too soon and they part with one of the finest goalkeepers of the modern era before they are fully certain the next phase is ready. This is now a strategic call, not simply a contractual one.

Our View

This feels like one of those decisions that shapes more than one position in the squad. Goalkeeper stability sets the tone for everything, and Liverpool cannot drift into next season with ambiguity over who is No. 1. If Alisson stays, it has to be because everyone at the club believes he is still the clear best option and can perform at the required level week after week. Sentiment cannot drive it.

Mamardashvili is the part of this story that keeps nagging away. You do not bring in a goalkeeper of that calibre, and on those wages, to let him wait forever. If the club truly see him as the future, then there has to be a moment when the future arrives. Otherwise, it becomes a wasted cycle and Liverpool are back in the market again sooner than expected.

There is also the wider context of a new era under Andoni Iraola. Fresh leadership usually brings sharper calls on roles, hierarchy and long-term planning. This looks like one of the first big internal calls that needs to be made with conviction. A clear decision helps everybody, the dressing room, recruitment staff, and both goalkeepers.

Right now, keeping both sounds ideal on paper, but it rarely works when one of them is ready to start. Liverpool need clarity, and quickly.