Massive Liverpool dilemma as James Pearce flags goalkeeper choice

Massive Liverpool uncertainty looms as journalist James Pearce warned that manager Andoni Iraola will soon have to choose between veteran Alisson Becker and £29.6m signing Giorgi Mamardashvili, with one likely to depart by 2027. The decision comes after Alisson’s contract expires next summer and Mamardashvili has grown impatient with limited game time.

Jurgen Klopp’s era at Anfield was built around a core of household names, none more pivotal than Alisson Becker. The Brazilian arrived from Roma in 2018 for a £66.8m fee, which still ranks as the second‑most expensive goalkeeper transfer worldwide. Critics note that Alisson’s distribution is noticeably weaker than Mamardashvili’s, adding another layer to the debate. Since then he has delivered value beyond the price tag, cementing his status as a club icon.

Goalkeeper options and the looming decision

During the Richard Hughes tenure, Liverpool splashed out £29.6m to secure Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili as a long‑term heir. The 6ft 7in star has yet to match the expectations set by his price tag, and recent performances have left fans questioning his ability to displace the veteran keeper.

Respected journalist James Pearce warned that Mamardashvili is growing impatient with a backup role.

“If Alisson does stay, Mamardashvili isn’t going to tolerate being backup for a third successive season,” Pearce told the Walk On podcast.

Alisson, who turns 34 on 2 October, has a contract that expires next summer, and renewal talks have not yet begun. Iraola has indicated he will continue to back Alisson unless an injury forces a change.

Liverpool also invested £30m in 18‑year‑old Belgian goalkeeper Lucca Brughmans, who will spend the current season on loan at Genk after breaking through there. The club’s depth chart includes Vitezslav Jaros, expected back in a few months, and Armin Pecsi, currently on loan in Austria. These options give Iraola a broader pool but do not erase the immediate dilemma.

Per The Athletic reporter noted that one of the two senior keepers will have to leave by 2027. The same report hinted at a separate decision regarding a rarely seen Liverpool winger, suggesting further squad reshaping ahead of the next campaign.

The goalkeeper conundrum underscores the broader challenge Iraola faces in balancing legacy players with costly young talent. How the Reds resolve the issue will shape their competitive outlook at Anfield for years to come.