Arne Slot delivers clear Alisson Liverpool verdict as Juventus transfer rumors addressed
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Liverpool FC NewsTransfer NewsAlissonAlisson Becker has been the subject of transfer speculation this summer, with Liverpool manager Arne Slot dismissing Juventus rumors as the goalkeeper nears his return from injuryArne Slot has dismissed Alisson transfer rumors(Image: Getty Images)Arne Slot maintains that Alisson is concentrating solely on his recovery and not on "rumors" suggesting a departure from Liverpool.The Brazilian shot-stopper has been linked with a possible move away from Anfield this summer, with Italian heavyweights Juventus reportedly amongst those keen on securing his signature. Alisson's contract runs until 2027.
Slot has confirmed that neither he nor his goalkeeper is allowing themselves to be distracted by speculation.Rather, the duo is focused exclusively on Alisson's return to fitness, with the Brazilian presently sidelined with a knee injury. Speaking at a press conference ahead of this weekend's fixture against Crystal Palace, the Dutchman said: "I am only focused on the short-term future and that is getting him back into goal as soon as possible.READ MORE: Arne Slot shares Michael Olise admiration in honest Crystal Palace verdictREAD MORE: Arne Slot issues double Liverpool injury boost as crisis eases in problem position"The answer is going to be that all these rumors that are out there about him and about probably me and about others, we don't react to rumors in this room, also not in my conversations with [sporting director] Richard [Hughes]."We only react when facts need to be told and that is not the situation at the moment.
The main focus for Ali is very clear, that is getting back in goal as soon as possible for the club he loves to play for and then he wants to be in goal for the country he wants to play for, that is Brazil. I think that is already the short and mid-term future."Should Alisson depart, he would be the third long-serving player opting to leave this season.Both Mohamed Salah and Andrew Robertson have already announced they will be bringing their distinguished Liverpool careers to a close at the end of the campaign.Alisson has been linked to Juventus(Image: Getty Images)Alisson arrived at Anfield from Italian outfit Roma in a $84 million transfer in 2018 and has since made 332 appearances for the club.He may add to that tally this weekend, having returned to training, though Freddie Woodman could feature following an injury to Giorgi Mamardashvili.Discussing his options, Slot added: "Giorgi will definitely not be available for tomorrow and also not for the upcoming weeks.