Future-Proofing Liverpool’s Goalkeeping Situation | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Goalkeeping Future: A Strategic Outlook

Liverpool’s approach to goalkeeping is undergoing a significant transformation. With an eye on the future, the club’s succession planning is gaining attention, particularly with the anticipated arrival of Mamardashvili in 2025. In a recent podcast episode of Another Podcast, Dave Hendrick delved into the complexities of managing Liverpool’s current and future goalkeepers, shedding light on potential transfer strategies, contract considerations, and the development of young talent.

Alisson Becker’s Long-Term Role

Alisson Becker, Liverpool’s current number one, remains a cornerstone of the team. However, Hendrick suggested a well-defined timeline for his potential departure. With Alisson’s contract running until 2027, Hendrick proposed, “The ideal situation would be to keep Alisson for one more year and then, in the summer of 2026, you move Alisson on, and Mamardashvili becomes the undisputed number one.”

Hendrick highlighted Alisson’s age as a critical factor, noting that in 2026, he would be “33, about to turn 34,” making it an opportune time for Liverpool to sell. Clubs such as Bayern Munich could be potential suitors, as they will likely need to replace Manuel Neuer, whose career may be winding down by then.

The Role of Mamardashvili and Caoimhin Kelleher

Mamardashvili’s arrival signals a new era for Liverpool’s goalkeeping lineup. According to Hendrick, “For next season, I would be in favour of Alisson one, Mamardashvili two, and Harvey Davies three, with Kelleher gone.” The departure of Caoimhin Kelleher seems imminent, as he approaches his 27th birthday and has expressed a desire to become a first-choice goalkeeper elsewhere. Hendrick emphasised, “He has been quite open about the fact he wants to go and be a number one.”

Developing Young Talent

Liverpool’s youth system boasts promising goalkeepers like Vitezslav Jaros and the highly rated academy prospect Mrozek. Hendrick suggested, “With Jaros, I wonder if next season we look to send him out on a high-level loan at a top four or top five league.” This strategy would ensure his readiness to become Liverpool’s number two goalkeeper by 2026.

As for Mrozek, Hendrick noted, “Perhaps if Davies was to depart on loan in 2026 or 2027, he can step into that number three position.” This phased development of young talent demonstrates Liverpool’s commitment to cultivating a robust pipeline of goalkeepers.

Strategic Succession Planning

Hendrick underlined the importance of managing contracts effectively to avoid losing players on a free transfer. “We need to get out of the habit of allowing players into the last 12 months of their contract,” he argued, citing Alisson’s potential sale as an example. Hendrick suggested that Liverpool could present Alisson with a choice: accept a secondary role or move on. “I think if you tell Alisson, ‘Look, he’s now the number one, you’re the number two, what do you want to do?’ I think he’d be okay with going,” he stated.

Conclusion

Liverpool’s goalkeeping strategy reflects a careful balance between maintaining current excellence and planning for the future. With Mamardashvili’s arrival, the likely departure of Kelleher, and the nurturing of young talents like Jaros and Mrozek, Liverpool is poised for a seamless transition. As Hendrick aptly summarised, “For this season, we know what we have, but it’s about setting ourselves up for 2026 and beyond.”