“They’re both world-class” – Ex-Liverpool recruitment chief claims the Reds almost signed world-class goalkeeper instead of Alisson

Former Liverpool recruitment chief Ian Graham has claimed that the Reds initially wanted to sign Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak ahead of Alisson. The Brazilian star’s ball-playing ability prompted the Reds to bring him in from AS Roma.

Speaking on the High Performance podcast, Graham stated that Liverpool had two options to fill the goalkeeper spot – Alisson and Oblak. He claimed that the two were among the best five in the world and they rated the Atletico Madrid star higher.

However, they opted to sign the Brazilian star as they wanted to bring in a goalkeeper who was good with the ball at his feet too. He said (via TBR Football):

Alisson has played 295 matches for Liverpool, keeping 127 clean sheets and even scoring once.

Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson has predicted that Alisson will be leaving Anfield this summer. He believes that the signing of Giorgi Mamardashvili last summer was in anticipation of the exit and told Paddy Power (via Metro):

Alisson reportedly has interest from Saudi Arabia and the Brazilian had an offer to leave last summer. He still has over two years left on his contract with Liverpool.

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