English Premier League outfit Liverpool signed Alisson for a then record fee for a goalkeeper, but the former AS Roma shot-stopper was not Jurgen Klopp’s first priority.
Liverpool splashed the cash to sign Alisson from AS Roma, to bolster their goalkeeping department. Last season, Karius and Mignolet were Liverpool’s goalkeepers. A disastrous performance from Karius in the Champions League final where his howlers helped Real Madrid get the better of the Reds to clinch the UEFA Champions League and Simon Mignolet’s desire to leave Liverpool forced them to look for a top-quality goalkeeper to bolster the chink in their armour.
Jan Oblak was brilliant in the last game against Real Madrid.
However, reports from AS state that Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson was not Jurgen Klopp’s and Liverpool’s first priority. They were instead interested in signing Atletico Madrid and Slovenian goalkeeper Jan Oblak, who has established his name as one of the best goalkeepers in the La Liga.
The 25-year-old Slovenian International has been with Atletico Madrid since 2014. He has been delivering resolute, eye-catching performances for Atletico Madrid over the years. He has made 157 appearances for Atletico Madrid since 2014.
The Anfield side wanted to sign him but they were unwilling to trigger his release clause which is 90 million Euros. Instead, they went for Alisson, who had a fantastic season with AS Roma, and bought the Brazilian for 66 million Euros. Alisson has begun his Liverpool career positively as he has, so far, kept 3 clean sheets in three games for the Reds in the Premier League.
He pulled off an incredible save against Brighton to help Liverpool earn all three points and move to the top of the table. He also displayed resoluteness against Crystal Palace and West Ham, two games Liverpool won before they faced the Seagulls.
Author’s Take
While Jan Oblak is a world-class goalkeeper, the Reds made the right, and of course a shrewd, decision to not trigger his release clause. They instead bought Alisson who enjoyed hugely successful club campaign with AS Roma before guarding Brazil’s goalpost in the FIFA World Cup 2018. Klopp’s decision to sign Alisson has paid its dividends as the 25-year-old has helped the club keep 3 consecutive clean sheets. He will aim to keep the same when Liverpool face Leicester City in their next Premier League clash.
