Liverpool's New Era: Alisson Becker's Future Under Iraola

Liverpool’s new era under Andoni Iraola is set to begin with one of the most delicate conversations at the club: a face-to-face with Alisson Becker about whether the Brazilian will still be at Anfield by the end of the summer.

Iraola’s in-tray: Alisson first, everything else later

Arne Slot walked into the off-season believing he had the backing to continue. He walked out of it sacked. Fenway Sports Group’s end-of-season review, driven by chief executive Michael Edwards and sporting director Richard Hughes, ended with a ruthless verdict: the Dutchman was out after a bruising second campaign that stripped away the goodwill of his title-winning debut season and, crucially, the support of the fans.

The axe has already fallen. Now comes the rebuild.

Liverpool are accelerating talks with Iraola and want his appointment wrapped up before the World Cup kicks off on June 11. Hughes knows exactly what he is getting; he was the man who brought the Basque coach to Bournemouth in July 2023 and remains a firm admirer.

But before Iraola can shape Liverpool in his own image, he must decide on the future of the man who has been the club’s last line of defence – and often its saviour – for years.

Alisson’s stance: “Liverpool career over”

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Alisson intends to make his position crystal clear when he sits down with the incoming manager: he considers his Liverpool chapter closed.

Juventus, watching events at Anfield closely, have been given fresh encouragement by Slot’s dismissal. The report claims the decision has “restored hope” in Turin that they can finally pull the goalkeeper out of Merseyside.

Alisson is understood to have reached an agreement in principle with Juve over a three-year deal, with an option for a further 12 months. From the player’s side, the path is mapped out. From Liverpool’s side, it is anything but.

The club have so far blocked his departure. That stance, though, is not set in stone. It will be tested in those opening conversations between Iraola, Hughes and their unsettled No 1.

Mamardashvili, Verbruggen and a brutal choice

The decision is not simply about sentiment. It is about hierarchy, style and succession.

If Iraola decides to install Giorgi Mamardashvili as his first-choice goalkeeper, or pushes hard for a new signing in that position, the door for Alisson to join Juventus could finally swing open.

Liverpool have already done their homework. On May 15, it emerged that Brighton & Hove Albion’s Bart Verbruggen has been earmarked as a potential replacement for the Brazilian. Young, highly rated, comfortable with the ball at his feet – Verbruggen fits the profile of a long-term project in goal.

Yet the club’s reluctance to sanction Alisson’s exit is understandable. Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson are already heading for the Anfield exit this summer. Ibrahima Konaté has confirmed he will leave on a free after contract talks collapsed. Leaders, voices, big-game personalities – all walking out of the same dressing room.

Losing Alisson on top of that would tear another pillar out of a squad already being stripped of experience.

Juventus’ promise: undisputed No 1

Alisson, though, is pushing. He wants the move. He does not want to walk into a pre-season where he is battling Mamardashvili or anyone else for minutes. Juventus are offering him what Liverpool, under a new regime, cannot guarantee: absolute clarity.

In Turin, he would be the undisputed No 1. No rotation, no looming rival, no questions.

That promise carries weight for a goalkeeper who has already won everything with Liverpool and may feel he has reached the natural end of his story at Anfield.

Liverpool’s attack also in transition

While the Alisson saga gathers pace, Liverpool are working on the other end of the pitch. With Salah leaving, the club are pushing to land their preferred successor to the Egyptian – a first-choice target identified as the new spearhead of the attack.

It underlines the scale of what Iraola is walking into. This is not a light refresh. It is a structural overhaul of a title-winning squad that is shedding icons in one summer.

The first big call, though, will come in the quiet of a meeting room, not under the floodlights. Does Iraola fight to keep Alisson as the cornerstone of his new Liverpool, or does he let one of the club’s modern greats walk away and start again in goal as well?