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18th July 2018
12:14pm BST
Liverpool have clinched an agreement worth around £66m (€75m) inclusive of add-ons with Roma for Alisson, which is a world record fee for a goalkeeper.
Talks had progressed well on Tuesday, with a resolution speedily reached after the Reds upped their initial offer allowing the 25-year-old to press ahead with the move.
Barring any late counter bids and twists, the Brazil international should sign a five-year contract with the Anfield side after undertaking his medical and agreeing personal terms, with those formalities potentially finalised by the end of the week.
Alisson, not short of interest in his services this summer, has been a long-term target for Jurgen Klopp. Liverpool made checks on him in January, but had already laid down the foundation for a deal last year.
The club’s endeavour to recruit him as well as the manager’s ambitious vision meant the Merseysiders stole a march on Chelsea, who are navigating Real Madrid’s pursuit of Thibaut Courtois, in the process.
They are yet to submit an offer and it is understood that is a result of Alisson making clear his preference is Liverpool.
The blockbuster fee almost doubles the British-record outlay for a goalkeeper, with Ederson having cost Manchester City £34.7m last summer.
It also eclipses the €52m Juventus parted with to sign Gianluigi Buffon from Parma in 2001 by €18m.
Alisson would represent a significant upgrade in Liverpool’s goalkeeping department, with none of Simon Mignolet, Loris Karius or Danny Ward managing to convince they deserve to be the club’s No. 1.
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