Liverpool handed huge boost in bid to keep Alisson amid Saudi interest
Liverpool have received a major boost as the club looks to retain first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker.
According to This Is Anfield, goalkeeping coach Claudio Taffarel is set to stay at the club despite the massive staff exodus, boosting Liverpool’s chances of keeping Alisson amid interest from Saudi Arabia.
Question marks hang over the future of the coaching staff, with many expected to follow manager Jurgen Klopp out of the exit door.
Assistant coach Pepijn Lijnders has already accepted the head coach role at RB Salzburg, and Vitor Matos will follow him.
Goalkeeping coaches John Achterberg and Jack Robinson are also expected to leave the club.
However, Taffarel appears to be staying. The 58-year-old Brazilian enjoys a close working relationship with his compatriot Alisson.
Alisson recommended the 1994 World Cup winner for the coaching role in 2021. This strong connection is believed to be a crucial factor in Taffarel’s decision to stay, with Liverpool keen to ensure Alisson feels as comfortable as possible.
Alisson’s commitment to Liverpool has come into question recently, with reported interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia.
The 31-year-old is entering the final year of his contract, and Saudi Pro League clubs are looking to make him offers.
However, the Brazilian shot-stopper is reportedly determined to remain at Anfield. The retention of Taffarel further strengthens the message that Liverpool want to keep their number one.
Taffarel’s presence is a positive development, but Liverpool are still expected to hire another goalkeeping coach to compensate for the departures of Achterberg and Robinson.
Feyenoord’s highly-rated Jyri Nieminen is reportedly being considered for Arne Slot’s new backroom staff.
Sticking with the goalkeeper situation, it is still unclear what the future holds for second-choice shot-stopper Caoimhin Kelleher, whose deal runs till 2026.
Kelleher might leave Merseyside this summer, looking for a destination where he can be number one. The revamped goalkeeper coaching staff will have their say regarding the best line of action.