Alisson Becker is closing in on a return to first-team action after more than six weeks out injured. The club recently exercised the 12-month extension on his contract, which was due to expire this summer.
Fitness
The Brazilian has been absent for double the number of matches in just under three campaigns since his first five seasons.
Age
At 33, Alisson is by no means finished, but owners Fenway Sports Group have a policy of not offering long contracts to players over 30.
Succession planning
The £30million Liverpool paid Valencia in 2024 for Giorgi Mamardashvili indicated the Georgia international was not being brought in to be a number two.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot did little to quell speculation about Alisson's future, saying people who make these decisions take everything into account. Juventus, managed by Alisson's former Roma boss Luciano Spalletti, have been linked with the 33-year-old.
Alisson missed 19 Premier League and Champions League matches through injury or illness in his first five seasons. He has been absent for double that number in just under three campaigns since.
The fact the club took the 12-month option rather than negotiate a new deal suggests they are looking to a future without the Brazilian. With him still under contract, they could command a fee for the player.
Giorgi Mamardashvili has made 18 appearances due to Alisson's injuries, although he is now injured himself. He may not currently be at Alisson's level but at 25 he has age on his side.
As one of the senior players in the squad, Alisson's weekly wage is significant. If Mamardashvili, estimated to be on almost half the salary, is to succeed him, it frees up more cash to be reinvested in new players.
The signings made last summer were a conscious attempt to lower the age profile of the squad. If Alisson were to follow Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson out of Anfield this summer, that would drop the average below 25.
Alisson's future may not be as secure as it seems, despite the new deal. The club's policy and the emergence of Giorgi Mamardashvili as a potential successor have raised questions about his long-term prospects at Liverpool.
The Brazilian's return to fitness will be a welcome boost for Liverpool, but it may not be enough to secure his place in the team. With Juventus lurking, Alisson's future remains uncertain.
Alisson's injuries have been a concern for Liverpool, and the club may be considering a future without him. The 12-month extension on his contract has not prevented speculation about his future.
The club's decision to exercise the 12-month option on Alisson's contract has raised questions about his long-term prospects. With Giorgi Mamardashvili waiting in the wings, Alisson's future at Liverpool remains uncertain.