Alisson medical ahead of world-record Reds move

As Roma goalkeeper Alisson is undergoing a medical at Liverpool after the Italian club received a “significant offer”, sporting director Monchi said yesterday.

British media reported that Liverpool has agreed a deal worth 75 million euros (US$86.88 million) for the 25-year-old, which would be a world-record fee, eclipsing the 53 million euros paid by Juventus to fellow Serie A side Parma for Gianluigi Buffon in 2001.

“The player’s there undergoing a medical and, if he passes that, the deal could go through,” Monchi, whose real name is Ramon Rodriguez Verdejo, told reporters.

“It’s hard when you’re a sporting director. We received a significant offer for Alisson and we evaluated it.

“In the end, we took a decision and, speaking with Liverpool, we reached an agreement. It’s not that we lack ambition. We’ve only sold two players and we’ve signed 10, and we’re going to continue looking for players.”

Alisson kept 17 clean sheets in 37 Serie A appearances for Roma last season and helped the club reach the UEFA Champions League semifinals, where it was knocked out by Liverpool.

He started all five games for Brazil at the World Cup in Russia where the South Americans bowed out with a quarter-final defeat to Belgium.

The goalkeeping position has been problematic for Liverpool under manager Juergen Klopp, with Loris Karius and Simon Mignolet struggling to hold down their first-team spots last season.

Chelsea was also linked with Alisson, who began his career with Internacional before moving to Roma two years ago.