Liverpool’s first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker has departed the club’s Asian pre-season tour due to a “personal matter,” according to reports. The 32-year-old Brazil international played the first half of Liverpool’s 4–2 defeat to AC Milan in Hong Kong before being substituted by Giorgi Mamardashvili. Alisson was absent from an open training session in Tokyo and has been granted leave by Liverpool, with an expected return once the team arrives back in the United Kingdom.

Liverpool’s goalkeeping department remains well-stocked despite Alisson’s temporary absence. Giorgi Mamardashvili, who replaced him during the match, has openly expressed his ambition to claim the number one spot even when Alisson is fit. Additionally, Freddie Woodman, recently signed on a free transfer from Preston North End, serves as a reliable third-choice option.

Woodman has spoken positively about training alongside Alisson, saying, “Working with Ali, for myself I’m getting to work with one of the best in the world and I’m just trying to take bits from his game and put them into my game. It’s the same with Giorgi as well—they are world-class goalkeepers, top goalkeepers, and it’s a joy to work with them every day.”

Liverpool’s pre-season schedule includes a forthcoming fixture against Yokohama F. Marinos in Tokyo before the squad returns to Anfield. Following this, the club faces an unusual challenge of two matches against Athletic Club at Anfield on the same day, with kick-offs separated by only three hours.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has downplayed concerns about the team’s defensive resources ahead of the 2025/26 season while hinting at a possible new signing in defence. Despite Liverpool’s defensive frailties being apparent in a recent 4-2 pre-season friendly loss to AC Milan, Slot expressed confidence in his defensive options. The Dutch coach highlighted the versatility of midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, who started alongside Virgil van Dijk, noting, “Ryan showed he can play that position—he did it well, although we favour him as a No. 6. Wataru Endo can play there [centre back].”

The current squad behind the established duo of Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté is thin. Joe Gomez, sidelined with a minor Achilles injury during the friendly, remains a key option but has faced ongoing fitness challenges. The 24-year-old Rhys Williams is the other centre back available after the sale of Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen. Slot acknowledged the gap left by Quansah’s departure, stating, “So we have enough options but it is true that Jarell Quansah left and we haven’t replaced him yet.”

This situation leaves Liverpool’s top-flight title defence dependent on maintaining defensive solidity, with potential transfer activity hinted by the manager to reinforce this critical area.

Newcastle United find themselves in a complex position over the potential transfer of Alexander Isak. The forward has reportedly expressed a desire to leave, escalating speculation following his agent’s initial hints, refusal to extend his contract, and absence from the squad’s Asian tour for its second leg. Manager Eddie Howe confirmed Isak would not join the team on this trip and described the transfer window as “challenging.” Adding to the complexity, Newcastle are preparing for a possible official bid from Liverpool. According to reports, the club’s internal opinion is divided on whether to reject all offers firmly or enter negotiations. Liverpool’s renewed interest appears linked to the expected departure of Luis Díaz to Bayern Munich, freeing up approximately £65 million. The Reds believe they have adequate left-sided options to pursue Isak if Newcastle are willing to negotiate. Newcastle’s asking price is said to be around £150 million, which would eclipse the British transfer record recently set by Liverpool’s £116 million signing of Florian Wirtz. Nonetheless, Liverpool are considered financially capable of surpassing this figure in pursuit of Isak. The situation underscores a tense and potentially transformative transfer window ahead for both clubs.