Liverpool have announced the appointment of Alejandro Rosalen as their new first-team goalkeeping coach, replacing Xavi Valero after his departure. The 49-year-old Spaniard joins manager Andoni Iraola's backroom staff following a five-year stint at Napoli, where he contributed to two Serie A title wins in 2022/23 and 2024/25.
Rosalen's Background and Valero's Exit
Rosalen began his coaching career at Valencia's academy, spending eight years there before a single season at Hungarian club Videoton. He then enjoyed an eight-year spell at Fiorentina prior to moving to Napoli in 2021. Liverpool's statement on the club's website confirmed: "Alejandro Rosalen has been appointed as Liverpool's new first-team goalkeeping coach. He joins Andoni Iraola's backroom staff, replacing Xavi Valero, who has now departed the Reds after a second spell with the club in 2025-26."
Valero informed Liverpool before the end of last season that he wanted to leave, just 12 months after returning from West Ham. According to The Athletic, his departure was mutual and unconnected to Arne Slot's sacking. Valero had previously been part of Rafael Benitez's coaching team at Anfield between 2007 and 2010.
Transfer U-turn on Yan Diomande
Liverpool transfer target Yan Diomande reportedly agreed personal terms with Paris Saint-Germain in June, but no deal exists between PSG and his club RB Leipzig. The Bundesliga side still hopes to retain the 19-year-old Ivory Coast winger, despite PSG's willingness to meet his £86.8 million valuation. Fabrizio Romano has indicated that other clubs are attempting to hijack the move, potentially prompting Diomande to reconsider his commitment to PSG. It remains unclear whether Liverpool have rekindled their pursuit of the player, who scored 12 goals and provided eight assists in the Bundesliga last season.
Bradley Barcola Fee Set High
Speculation linking Liverpool with PSG winger Bradley Barcola continues, with the 23-year-old having two years left on his contract and reportedly open to a move. According to David Ornstein on the Athletic FC podcast, PSG do not want to sell and would demand a fee higher than Elliot Anderson's £116 million move from Nottingham Forest to Manchester City. Ornstein said: "Bradley Barcola has been mentioned... Barcola is a player Liverpool really like... PSG's standpoint is that they do not want to sell him... Even if they are to sell him, the price in their mind would be higher - considerably, I think - than, say, Elliot Anderson's move... because this is a player who has won Champions Leagues, competed at the highest level..."
Liverpool's Squad Challenges
Liverpool finished fifth last season, failing to defend their Premier League title. Despite spending £450 million on new signings last summer, including expensive flops Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, the club also sanctioned £260 million of sales, with key stars like Luis Diaz sold and not replaced. Sporting director Richard Hughes failed to sign an experienced centre-back. New manager Andoni Iraola has added Spain's World Cup-winning winger Victor Munoz and young French centre-back Jeremy Jacquet, but Ibrahima Konate left on a free transfer, leaving the squad understocked and unbalanced.
