Agent reveals how Liverpool star came within inches of Madrid in 2018

Alisson Becker’s agent has revealed how he came “very close” to sealing the goalkeeper’s move to Real Madrid in 2018 – before he then signed for Liverpool.

The Brazilian had emerged as a top talent between the sticks while at Roma, who he joined in 2016.

He made 64 appearances for the Serie A side in two years, keeping 26 clean sheets. What’s more, he conceded only 66 goals in those outings.

As such, his performances attracted the attentions of top sides across Europe, including Liverpool. Reds boss Jurgen Klopp was in the midst of arguably his most pivotal transfer window and had earmarked Alisson as a top target.

Liverpool soon made the 28-year-old the world’s most expensive stopper in a deal worth up to £66.8million. However, his agent has revealed how a move to Madrid almost became a reality.

“It will seem strange, but I have a lot of affection for a signing that in the end could not be: that of Alisson to Real Madrid,” Fabrizio de Vecchi told AS.

“The goalkeeper was already playing for Roma, where Walter Sabatini took him, and Ernesto Bronzetti, my mentor, had recently died.

“I would have loved to close that operation: the truth is that I was very close to achieving it.

“Everyone knows that Ernesto carried out many operations between Giallorossi and Madrid: it would have been a nice way to remember him.”

Instead, Alisson has become Klopp’s undisputed No 1 between the sticks since his arrival.

The Brazil international has made 106 outings for the Reds, keeping 50 shutouts.

Liverpool retain interest in Portugal star

Meanwhile, reports have claimed that Liverpool retain an interest in Sporting left-back Nuno Mendes.

The 18-year-old only made his breakthrough last season but has become a key part of the team this term.

Indeed, previous reports have claimed that the Reds had a bid rejected for him in the last transfer window.

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