Alisson delight at new deal as Liverpool continue to focus on contract extensions

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Fabinho Firmino Alisson CL

Recent rumours have constantly linked Liverpool with moves for numerous players, as Jurgen Klopp seeks to bolster his already talented squad with additional reinforcements. However, immediate priorities appear to be closer at home, as the club focuses on contract extensions with existing players.

Brazilian shot-stopper staying put

Weeks and months of lengthy discussions are now bearing fruit, with players eager to commit their immediate and long-term futures at Anfield, which is clearly great news for fans. Amongst the latest announcements via the official Liverpool FC website, confirmation that Alisson Becker has penned a new deal.

The 28-year-old Brazilian goalkeeper is delighted with the new 6-year package, which ties him to the Reds until at least June 2027. After bursting onto the scene with Internacional in his home country, European opportunities beckoned for Alisson, which eventually led to him switching to Italian outfit Roma in 2016.

Following the stellar displays of Alisson during the 2017-18 campaign with Roma, which included 17 clean sheets in Serie A and 5 in the UEFA Champions League, he caught the attention of Liverpool when the two sides crossed paths in the semi-finals. Just two months after that European meeting, the Reds were announcing his capture.

High price for safe hands

In July 2018, Liverpool splashed out £66.8 million to sign Alisson, briefly making him the most expensive goalkeeper signing of all time, until being surpassed by the arrival of Kepa Arrizabalaga at Chelsea later that same summer. Nevertheless, fans at Anfield have been left in absolutely no doubts, their club got the better of these two whopping deals.

Since debuting in August 2018 and opening his account with three consecutive clean sheets, the Liverpool goalkeeper is widely considered to be one of the best in the world. Alisson won the inaugural Yashin Trophy in 2019, along with being named The Best FIFA Goalkeeper, underlining both his quality and the importance of his performances for the Reds.

Blessed with great speed and timing, Alisson is equally handy with the ball at his feet, which is accompanied by a fantastic sense of positional awareness and superb agility. Having now surpassed 100 Premier League appearances with Liverpool, along with being happily settled in Merseyside, there were zero doubts from Alisson about securing his future at the club.

Liverpool seek stability in the battle for honours

Aside from the habitual rumours which regularly links the club with all and sundry, Liverpool focusing on contract renewals is key to their quest for more silverware. This means keeping hold of key players who contributed towards landing the 2019-20 Premier League title, when dominated and emphatically led the way throughout the whole campaign.

Having already confirmed a new deal for 22-year-old right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, alongside the extension for 27-year-old midfielder Fabinho, the improved contract for Alisson completes a hat-trick of successful contract negotiations for Liverpool. More deals are also set to follow in the coming weeks.

Five other players are currently negotiating extended terms at Anfield; including Virgil van Dijk, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, Andrew Robertson, and Mohamed Salah. The club has full confidence they will all agree to new deals, although Forbeshave questioned whether this will be enough to keep Liverpool competitive, without the addition of more new players.

Quiet activity on the transfer front

Liverpool has only felt the need to make one new signing thus far during the summer, when a move valued at £36 million secured the services of IbrahimaKonate from RB Leipzig. The 22-year-old Frenchman adds further defensive options, with his style of play and physique having already being compared to that of Virgil van Dijk.

Taking what appears to be a calm and cautious approach, Liverpool don’t appear to be any rush towards further signings, unless quality options materialise that will genuinely enhance the squad. Still, based on making just one move and busily extending the deals of existing players, the Reds will head into the 2021-22 campaign with shorter odds Chelsea and Manchester United, although behind Manchester City as title favourites amongst most bookies.

With many of the top sports betting sites reviewed at Asiabet in great detail, principally focusing on the trust and reliability of bookmakers, it’s a great place to start when looking for the best bonuses and offers. Given there are now so many online bookies to choose from, it’s always handy to look for excellent value and varied betting options, before deciding where to back Liverpool for success during the season ahead.

No need for further big spending

Considering the strength and variety of depth in each area available to Klopp, aside from the possibility of requiring another midfielder there isn’t really any pressing need for any further player signings. Just as we look for good value when placing bets, Liverpool are taking the same approach in the transfer market, which is wise after such lean economic times for every club over the last two years.

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