Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker has revealed that he rejected the chance to move to Saudi Arabia this summer, with the Brazil international not yet ready to leave his Merseyside club.
The 31-year-old, who is widely regarded as one of the best stoppers in world football, was heavily linked with a switch to the Saudi Pro League earlier this summer.
Alisson has confirmed that there was "interest" from the lucrative division, but the goalkeeper is "really happy" at Anfield and wants to continue in English football, at least for the 2024-25 campaign.
"I want to honour my contract and finish my contract here or make a new one. I am really happy here. My family is happy," Alisson told reporters.
"I never got to the point where I was talking about wages. It was just interest, but when you hear about the numbers the other players are getting [in Saudi Arabia] you are a little bit attracted. That is normal.
© Reuters
Alisson confirms interest from Saudi Pro League
"At the end of the day, you play football for love, it is the thing you like to do, but it is our profession and we want to use the years that we have to make the most of it. I am open to that, but now is not the time.
"I am really focused on the things we have here at Liverpool and while I still have my contract here, I will be focused here.
"If it is in the interest of the club to negotiate, then it will be a different conversation. At this time, at this window, I am focused on my job here and my life in Liverpool."
Liverpool are believed to be closing in on a move for Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, with the Georgia international expected to replace Alisson as the number one when he moves on.
"The club needs to prepare for the future," said Alisson when asked about Liverpool's alleged move for Mamardashvili. "We are not going to last for ever here, I am getting old.
© Imago
Alisson welcomes Liverpool's alleged move for Mamardashvili
"No, for a goalkeeper I am still young, I have a lot of energy and I still have much to give for this club and I want to give to the club as much as I can. But they have to prepare for the future.
"They have and they will do for different positions as well. We have so many important players with the contract expiring and the club needs to organise themselves."
Mamardhashvili, who starred for Georgia during Euro 2024, has featured in both of Valencia's La Liga matches during the 2024-25 campaign, conceding five times in the process.
The 23-year-old has another three years left to run on his contract at Mestalla, but he is expected to complete a £30m move to Arne Slot's side in the near future.
Matt Law
