Alisson has sparked transfer speculation ahead of the 2026 window, with Italian clubs circling the Liverpool goalkeeper. However, former Reds defender John Arne Riise has cast serious doubt on any departure, insisting the Brazilian is irreplaceable at Anfield.
The 32-year-old has established himself as one of world football's elite shot-stoppers since arriving from Roma in 2018 for a then-record £67 million. Over eight seasons on Merseyside, Alisson has made more than 330 appearances and delivered when it matters most—including a stunning match-winning goal against West Brom in 2021. His trophy cabinet boasts two Premier League titles, Champions League glory, FA Cup, League Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup.
The Replacement Problem
Riise, who spent nine years at Liverpool as a left-back, addressed Alisson's rumoured exit directly: "I can't see him leaving because he's an unbelievable player. He's so important to the club and to the players and to our defence. If he's going to leave, who are you going to get? I mean, who is at that level? Nobody." The Norwegian emphasised that Liverpool would need to break the bank again to find a suitable replacement in today's goalkeeper market.
Alisson remains contracted through 2026, though his future has drawn questions amid broader squad changes at Anfield. Mohamed Salah is departing on a free transfer, while Ibrahima Konate rejected a new deal and Andy Robertson is also heading towards free agency. Riise suggested Robertson's exit stems from reduced playing time under manager Arne Slot rather than a complete squad overhaul.
What Lies Ahead
Liverpool face significant defensive reconstruction, with captain Virgil van Dijk turning 35 in July and reinforcements urgently needed across the backline. Riise acknowledged the club's challenges but stressed that keeping Alisson is non-negotiable. Unless the Brazilian explicitly signals unhappiness—which there is no evidence of—his departure remains unlikely despite Italian speculation and the competitive goalkeeper market across Europe. Slot's squad-building mission this summer will hinge on retaining world-class talent while integrating fresh legs into a reshuffled defence.
