Liverpool have officially announced the appointment of Alejandro Rosalen as their new first-team goalkeeping coach, replacing Xavi Valero who departed after a second spell with the club. The 49-year-old Spaniard joins Andoni Iraola's backroom staff following five years at Napoli, where he contributed to two Serie A title triumphs in 2022/23 and 2024/25.
Rosalen's Background and Appointment
In a statement on the club's website, Liverpool confirmed: "Alejandro Rosalen has been appointed as Liverpool's new first-team goalkeeping coach. The 49-year-old Spaniard 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." Rosalen arrives with extensive experience, having previously spent eight years at Fiorentina, a season at Hungarian side Videoton, and eight years in Valencia's academy where his coaching career began.
Valero informed Liverpool before the end of last season of his desire to move on, just 12 months after re-joining from West Ham. According to The Athletic, his departure was unrelated to Arne Slot's sacking and was a mutual decision. Valero had been part of Rafael Benitez's coaching setup at Anfield from 2007 to 2010 before stints at Inter, Chelsea, Napoli, and Real Madrid, followed by seven years at West Ham.
Yan Diomande Transfer Update
Long-standing Liverpool target Yan Diomande, an RB Leipzig winger, was reportedly said to have agreed personal terms with Paris Saint-Germain in June. However, no agreement has been reached between PSG and Leipzig, with the German club still hopeful of retaining the teenager. Despite Leipzig making it clear they could meet his reported £86.8 million asking price, they refused to budge. Fabrizio Romano has claimed that several rival clubs are attempting to hijack the deal, potentially prompting Diomande to reconsider his decision to join PSG. It remains uncertain whether Liverpool have rekindled their interest.
Pre-Season Preparations
With the World Cup final concluding on Sunday evening, the summer transfer gridlock is expected to break, accelerating Liverpool's market activity ahead of their opening Premier League clash against Newcastle United on August 23. The squad departed for the United States on Monday for their pre-season tour, offering new manager Andoni Iraola a crucial opportunity to evaluate his roster, despite several international players resting after World Cup duty.
