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Alisson Will Reportedly Be Liverpool's Last Signing Amid Nabil Fekir Rumours
July 19, 2018
Liverpool's proposed world-record capture of Roma goalkeeper Alisson Becker will reportedly bring an end to their summer spending.
According to Chris McKenna of the Daily Mirror, while the Reds will part with £67 million to sign the Brazilian stopper, they are not hopeful of reviving a deal for Lyon forward Nabil Fekir late in the transfer window.
"It is understood no further signings will be made after him—unless something drastically changes," wrote McKenna. "Liverpool made their summer signings with the full knowledge of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain being unlikely to feature in the upcoming campaign."
Dominic King of the Daily Mail has also reported that the deal for Alisson is likely to be the last of this window for the Reds, stating that "Liverpool have moved on, and the main focus will now be on trimming down their squad."
Per King, when manager Jurgen Klopp was asked whether or not the Reds would be active late in the transfer window, the German said: "I don't think so—I hope not."
While supporters may be a little disappointed that a deal for Fekir won't be completed, overall the club has done some fine business this summer. Getting Alisson in may well be the most important signing Klopp has made since his arrival at Liverpool.
Football Whispers' Ryan Baldi thinks that despite the enormous fee, the Reds will be getting value for money with the Brazilian:
There's no doubt he'll provide a major upgrade on Loris Karius between the sticks, as the German has endured a torrid time at Liverpool lately.
In the UEFA Champions League final it was his pair of errors that cost Liverpool in a tight game against Real Madrid, as they lost 3-1. Since then, Karius has been in shaky form in pre-season, and with the campaign fast approaching, the Reds appear to have made a significant move to improve their goalkeeping options.
As noted by King, earlier in the summer they appeared on the brink of signing Fekir, too, although a transfer collapsed.
Football writer Joel Rabinowitz believes that with Oxlade-Chamberlain sidelined for the long term, another attacking midfielder is key for the Reds:
Still, even if a move for Fekir doesn't go ahead, Liverpool can be content with the summer they've had so far. Aside from Alisson the Reds have strengthened midfield with the signings of Naby Keita and Fabinho, while Xherdan Shaqiri will provide cover to the front three of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane.
Given the outlay in this window, Liverpool supporters will be expecting big things from their team this season, especially after making it to the Champions League final last term. Alisson's arrival appears to have solved the biggest longstanding issue Klopp has had since his appointment.