Virgil van Dijk has urged Liverpool to keep Alisson, describing the Brazil international as the best goalkeeper in the world and warning that losing him would be a “big blow”. The centre-back, who has played alongside Alisson since 2018, said the 33-year-old would be sorely missed if he leaves Anfield this summer.
Liverpool triggered a one-year contract extension for Alisson last month, but manager Arne Slot recently refused to guarantee the goalkeeper’s future at the club. Juventus have expressed interest in the former Roma player, and this summer may represent Liverpool’s last chance to receive a transfer fee for him.
“It would definitely be a big blow and a miss but I don’t think it’s a good idea to think ahead about what could or could not happen,” Van Dijk said. “He’s very important for me as one of the leaders in the team and I think he is very important on the pitch because I think he is one of the best – in my opinion the best – goalkeeper in the world.”
Van Dijk also addressed Alisson’s potential return from injury, saying the goalkeeper is trying to be back as soon as possible to help the team in the final four games. Regarding his personal wish, Van Dijk added: “Would I love him to stay? Of course, there’s no [doubt] about that.”
Liverpool have a potential replacement in Alisson’s understudy Giorgi Mamardashvili. Van Dijk also expressed hope that midfielder Curtis Jones, who has interest from Inter Milan and enters the final year of his contract, will remain at the club, though he acknowledged he is not the one making decisions.
