Liverpool confirms blockbuster Alisson signing from Roma for initial €62.5M fee
Liverpool has its new man between the sticks.
The Reds officially confirmed Thursday they have signed Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson from Roma. According to the Italian side, the two clubs agreed on an initial transfer fee of €62.5 million (£56 million) that could rise as high as €72.5 million (£65 million). These figures smash the 17-year transfer record for a 'keeper previously held by Gianluigi Buffon when he joined Juventus from Parma in 2001.
"I'm really happy, it's a dream come true to wear such a prestigious shirt for a club of this size that is used to always winning," Alisson said in a statement. "In terms of my life and my career, it's a huge step for me being part of this club and this family.
"You can be certain that I'll give my all."
Alisson, who edged Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson as Brazil's No. 1 at the 2018 World Cup, penned a reported six-year deal, according to the Liverpool Echo's James Pearce.
Regarded as one of the best pure shot-stoppers in the game today, the 6-foot-3 custodian is also renowned for his confidence with the ball at his feet as well as his excellent distribution skills. The 25-year-old even recorded an assist of his own this past season when his long clearance found Stephan El Shaarawy to set up Roma's opening goal against Inter Milan in January.
Alisson ↗️↘️ El Shaarawy = ⚽️ @ASRomaEN enter the tunnel with a 1-0 advantage over Inter. #InterRoma pic.twitter.com/BFoleWFXg5
— ItalianFootballDaily (@ItalianFD) January 21, 2018
The Reds had reportedly long been in the hunt for a new starting goalkeeper, though their search is believed to have intensified following Loris Karius' disastrous Champions League final display against Real Madrid.
It's unclear what Alisson's introduction spells for Karius' future with Liverpool, or that of Simon Mignolet's, who lost his starting role to Karius at the turn of the year.
After progressing through the youth ranks at Internacional in Brazil, Alisson made his senior debut as a 20-year-old in August 2013 and eventually took over everyday starting duties in 2014.
After helping the Colorado secure a sixth consecutive Campeonato Gaucho in 2016 (Rio Grande do Sul's state championship), the Porto Alegre side sold him to Roma for €8 million in July. There, he served as backup to Wojciech Szczesny in his first year in Serie A until the Polish 'keeper joined Juventus just prior to last season.