Manchester United legend backs Juventus’ move for Alisson

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Image Credits: Imago ImagesAlisson Becker has won almost everything there is to win in football.Premier League titles, a Champions League, a Club World Cup, and a FIFA Best Goalkeeper award that confirmed what most already knew.For the better part of a decade, he has been the gold standard between the posts in European football, but at 33, a new chapter may be calling.And it is coming from Turin.Reports have been building steadily over recent weeks linking Alisson with a summer move to Juventus.Reports have revealed that the Italian giants have almost agreed personal terms with the Brazilian and are soon expected to open formal talks with Liverpool.Juve’s interest stems from ongoing uncertainty around their current options, with neither Michele Di Gregorio nor Mattia Perin convincing the club’s hierarchy as long term solutions.Alisson, who spent time in Serie A with Roma before his move to Anfield, is seen as the ideal fit under Luciano Spalletti, a manager he already knows well from his time in the Italian capital.Liverpool, for their part, will not make this easy.Despite signing Alisson to a new deal just two months ago, the emergence of Giorgi Mamardashvili as a genuine first choice contender has shifted the dynamic at Anfield, especially due to increasing injury worries.The Reds’ demands will be high, but Juve appear serious about getting this done.Now one of the most decorated goalkeepers in the history of the game has added his voice to the conversation.Edwin Van der Sar, a man who won two Champions Leagues, kept goal for Juventus between 1999 and 2001, and played his final season at Manchester United at the age of 40, has come out firmly in support of the move.Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Dutchman did not hold back in his assessment of the Liverpool number one.“Alisson is a top notch goalkeeper, one of the best in the world,” Van der Sar said.“If Juventus is considering a move, Alisson could be a reliable option.”“We are talking about a top player.”“Having already played in Italy with Roma will help him.”When pushed on whether age could be a concern given Alisson is approaching 34, Van der Sar dismissed the idea entirely, pointing to his own career as evidence.“The fact that Alisson is almost 34 is not a problem.”“There are many goalkeepers who play at a high level at an advanced age.”“Buffon retired at 45.”“I played my last season at Manchester United at 40.”Coming from a man who lived that reality, those words carry weight.Juventus will be hoping Liverpool see it the same way when negotiations begin in earnest.For Alisson, a return to Italy, to a club of Juventus’ stature, under a manager who knows exactly how to get the best out of him, may be the most compelling move of his career. Alisson Becker Edwin Van der Sar Juventus