SHOCK Barcelona decision brings Alisson's Liverpool future into DOUBT | OneFootball

Liverpool’s goalkeeping situation has been a major talking point so far this season, with the future of the position seemingly secured and yet still unknown.

The signing of Georgia’s Euro 2024 hero Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia - who is set to join the squad next season - has brought into question the future between the sticks at Anfield. With Alisson Becker still playing at a world-class level and Caoimhin Kelleher being a more than acceptable backup, other teams are circling to secure their services.

And the main suitor for Liverpool’s Brazilian number 1 appeared to be Barcelona, with reports emerging that their manager, Hansi Flick, is eyeing Alisson as the long-term replacement to the now-injured Marc-Andre ter Stergen.

Read more: Real Madrid RIVALLED in Trent Alexander-Arnold pursuit

Barca contract 'retired' goalkeeper

And now these reports will surely only intensify as Barcelona have pulled off a stunner, convincing Polish legend Wojciech Szczęsny to come out of retirement and play for them until the end of the season.

The news comes almost exactly a month after the former Arsenal and Juventus goalkeeper announced his decision to end his footballing career.

Ter Stergen’s season-ending injury has forced the Catalonians' hand, but with Szczęsny’s contract being short-term and clearly on an emergency basis, it will do nothing to dispel their interest in Alisson on a longer-term basis.

There is no telling how long they will be without their German keeper and no guaranteeing the level of his play given the severity of the injury suffered.

Liverpool's Mamardashvili 'affection'

Recent reports that Liverpool officials are showing ‘constant signs of affection’ to the incoming Mamardashvili only complicate things further. Whilst the assumption was that the Georgian was a long-term project - his initial contract running until 2030 - if the club feel that he is ready to slot into the team then there is no reason why they wouldn’t capitalise on Barcelona’s situation.

If the Spanish giants have their hearts set on Alisson then Liverpool could demand a hefty fee for a man who may still be the best goalkeeper in the world.

Meanwhile, Caoimhin Kelleher has made his desires to be a starting goalkeeper clear despite Liverpool’s unwillingness to part with him this past summer. The Irish international has been called upon in the past two games due to an injury suffered by Alisson. Much like he did last season, Kelleher has deputised admirably, making eight saves between the two matches and not looking out of place.

However, should Alisson depart, Kelleher would find himself in a similar situation to this past summer where his backup services are deemed essential to the club’s success.

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