Liverpool’s already competitive goalkeeper situation is set to become even more congested, with one of their young talents returning to the club after a loan spell.
Arne Slot’s arrival as manager has added another layer of complexity to an already fierce competition for the number one spot, with Liverpool arguably boasting the strongest goalkeeper depth in the Premier League.
Alisson Becker has been a fixture in goal for Liverpool since his move from Roma in 2018. The Brazilian international has consistently proven to be one of the best goalkeepers in the world, playing a key role in the club’s successes, including their Premier League and Champions League triumphs. However, in the background, a series of talented keepers has been waiting for their chance, with Caoimhin Kelleher emerging as one of the standout backups in recent seasons.
Kelleher, an Irish international, has proven his worth in cup competitions, particularly during Liverpool’s run to the 2022 Carabao Cup final, where he played a crucial role in securing the trophy. Despite being second in the pecking order behind Alisson, Kelleher has shown he’s more than capable of stepping up when called upon. His performances, though limited, have made it clear that he is ready for more first-team action.
However, it’s not just Kelleher who is vying for a spot in Liverpool’s goalkeeping hierarchy. The Merseyside club has made a significant investment in the future, securing the services of highly rated Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili for £29 million (€34.6m, $36.7m). The Georgia international will officially join Liverpool in 2025, adding further depth to an already talent-laden position. This move has put the club in a strong position to plan for the future, but it also raises questions about the current situation, particularly in terms of how Liverpool’s existing goalkeepers fit into the picture.
Amidst all this, there’s a new development in the goalkeeper race: Fabian Mrozek, a young goalkeeper who had been on loan at Swedish club IF Brommapojkarna, has returned to Liverpool after a brief stint. Mrozek’s time in Sweden has come to an end, with the Swedish club’s sporting director, Philip Berglun, confirming that the player will stay at Liverpool. “The initial plan has always been for him to return after the season,” Berglun told Fotboll Direkt, making it clear that Mrozek’s future lies back at Anfield. His return only adds to the growing list of goalkeepers at Liverpool, raising further questions about where each player fits into the squad.
Advertisement
We’re on Social Media
Follow us on X
See more football highlights
The situation in Liverpool’s goalkeeping department could become even more complicated in 2025, with multiple players in the mix for a starting spot. Vitezslav Jaros, who made his debut for the first team earlier this season, is another name to consider in the equation. As a young talent, Jaros will be looking to make his mark, adding to the uncertainty surrounding Liverpool’s goalkeeping future.
With a number of talented goalkeepers, Slot will face significant decisions about how to manage this situation. The competition for Liverpool’s number one jersey will be fierce, with Alisson, Kelleher, Mamardashvili, and possibly Mrozek all vying for a spot in the starting lineup. Reports suggest that Slot has a preference for Mamardashvili, who will join in 2025, but this could spell difficult decisions for the current crop of goalkeepers. If Mamardashvili is slotted in as the first-choice keeper, both Kelleher and Alisson could find themselves relegated to the bench, which may not be an appealing proposition for either player.
Alisson’s position at Liverpool has been near untouchable for the past few seasons, but the Brazilian’s future has been the subject of growing speculation. With the arrival of Mamardashvili on the horizon, there are suggestions that Alisson could be on his way out of Liverpool as early as next year. Kelleher’s future is also uncertain, as he has made it clear that he wants to be a first-choice goalkeeper. Speaking in October, Kelleher expressed his desire for regular first-team football, whether at Liverpool or elsewhere. “I want to be a No 1,” Kelleher said. “That’s always been my thought process. I don’t enjoy sitting on the bench. I’ve shown my level, and now the next step is to play week in, week out.” His comments indicate a clear desire for more playing time, which could lead to a potential departure if the right offer comes along.
The upcoming transfer windows could be pivotal for both Alisson and Kelleher, with both players potentially seeking moves if they find themselves on the fringes of first-team action. Liverpool’s goalkeeper situation will be one of the key talking points in the months ahead, and Slot will have to make some tough decisions on how to manage the growing talent in his squad. Balancing the needs of both experienced internationals and emerging young goalkeepers will be no easy feat, and it remains to be seen how the club will navigate this challenge.
Liverpool’s plans extend beyond just the goalkeeper position. Reports suggest that the club is also considering strengthening their attacking options, with former manager Jurgen Klopp having been a long-time admirer of Inter Milan striker Marcus Thuram. Despite the presence of Darwin Núñez and Diogo Jota, who have both featured as central forwards, Liverpool are looking to add more competition up front. The addition of a player like Thuram would provide more depth to the attack and offer Klopp greater flexibility in his offensive lineup.
Meanwhile, speculation around Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future continues to swirl. Real Madrid have reportedly ruled out a move for the right-back in January, but a potential summer transfer remains a possibility. Alexander-Arnold’s contract situation, with his current deal running out in 2025, could be a factor in any future transfer discussions, especially if he does not extend his stay at Liverpool.
Elsewhere, Liverpool is among a number of clubs—along with Arsenal, Tottenham, and West Ham—rumored to be interested in signing Atlético Madrid midfielder Javi Guerra. The player’s contract is set to expire next summer, and several top clubs are already circling for a potential pre-contract agreement. Guerra’s potential arrival would add further depth to Liverpool’s midfield, providing more options for Slot as he builds his squad for the future.
As the January transfer window approaches, the situation at Liverpool will continue to evolve. With an embarrassment of riches in goal and multiple areas in need of strengthening, Slot faces a delicate balancing act in managing his squad. The goalkeeper dilemma is likely to dominate headlines, but the club’s other targets—such as Thuram and Guerra—could add even more intrigue to Liverpool’s transfer plans.
In summary, Liverpool’s goalkeeper situation is at a crossroads. The return of Mrozek and the upcoming arrival of Mamardashvili in 2025 have only added to the competition for the number one spot. With Alisson, Kelleher, and Mamardashvili all vying for starting roles, Slot will have to make some difficult decisions in the coming months. At the same time, Liverpool’s broader transfer plans will continue to develop, with potential additions up front and in midfield on the horizon.