As per a report from highly-respected Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio this afternoon, Serie A giants AS Roma have identified a possible replacement for goalkeeper Alisson.
World-class shot-stopper
Alisson, full name Alisson Becker, is a 25-year-old Brazilian international, and has emerged as one of the most impressive goalkeepers in world football since taking over as Roma’s no.1 this season, following the end of Wojciech Szczęsny’s loan with the club.
The former Internacional star has already earned 22 international caps, and is currently viewed as the Selecao’s first-choice between the posts, ahead of Manchester City’s Ederson.
Anfield links
Alisson’s stellar form to this point in the campaign has seen the South American linked with a whole host of top European clubs, with Premier League giants Liverpool long named as the side expressing the most genuine interest in his services.
The Reds are known to be keeping an eye out for reinforcements in the goalkeeping department, due to the consistently-questionable performances of both Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius.
Replacement?
Reports stemming from Italy last week suggested that Roma were attempting to tie Alisson down to a new deal at the Stadio Olimpico, with a massive 90 million Euro release clause touted.
This led to a number of follow-up stories which claimed that Liverpool were ready to end their chase of the Brazilian shot-stopper, but, as per the aforementioned report from Gianluca Di Marzio, the Reds’ pursuit may not be dead just yet.
This is due to the fact that Roma have reportedly identified 20-year-old Swedish goalkeeper Marko Johansson, currently on loan at Trelleborg from Malmö, as a major target.
It remains to be seen whether Johansson has been earmarked as a possible replacement for Alisson or just as a backup option, but the fact that Roma are currently in the market for goalkeeping additions will no doubt provide a glimmer of hope to Liverpool fans hoping to see the brilliant Brazilian between the posts at Anfield next season.