Liverpool fans can breathe a sigh of relief after Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Alisson Becker is staying put at Anfield.
Reds supporters have been anxiously awaiting the club's first senior signing under new manager Arne Slot, but there has also been concern that some of the established first-team stars could also leave.
Reports earlier this week from Football Insider suggested that Liverpool were expecting a massive offer from a Saudi Arabian club for their star goalkeeper, Alisson.
However, Romano revealed on Tuesday night that Al-Nassr, the club believed to be interested in Alisson, has instead secured a deal to sign Bento from Athletico Paranaense.
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Romano posted on X (Twitter):
Bento to Al Nassr, here we go! Agreement in place between clubs with Athl. Paranaense for a fee around €18m. Bento will undergo medical and then sign a long-term deal at the club. He was on Al Ittihad’s shortlist under the former president but now set to sign for Al-Nassr.
That move is significant for Liverpool fans, as it indicates that Al-Nassr will likely drop their pursuit of Alisson, having secured their marquee goalkeeper signing elsewhere.
Although it doesn't completely eliminate the possibility of another top-flight club targeting Alisson, it does mitigate the immediate concern of losing their number-one stopper to the Saudi club.
The Saudi Pro League has been making waves in the transfer market over the past year, and the Reds have seen a number of exits in that direction with high-profile players like Jordan Henderson, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Fabinho all heading to the Gulf region.
Al-Ittihad reportedly even made a staggering $196 million offer for Mo Salah, highlighting the financial power and allure of the league.
