Liverpool are reported to be “seriously considering” an approach to sign Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, who starred for Georgia at Euro 2024 during the summer.
Mamardashvili proved crucial in Georgia reaching the tournament at the expense of 2004 champions Greece and then put in outstanding performances against Czechia and Portugal, in particular, to help his country reach the knockout rounds against all expectation.
At club level, the 23-year-old has been Valencia’s starting goalkeeper since permanently taking over from Jasper Cillessen in early 2022.
Fabrizio Romano writes that Liverpool are eyeing a deal “in excess of €30m” (£25.6m) for Mamardashvili. But with Alisson Becker still firmly the Reds’ No.1, it would be with the intention of immediately loaning him out to ensure he continues playing regularly.
It could mirror Chelsea‘s capture of Thibaut Courtois in 2011, loaning the Belgian stopper to Atletico Madrid for three seasons before eventually bringing him back to replace Petr Cech.
Romano adds that talks are ongoing but Liverpool have to make a final decision whether to go for it. Mamardashvili is described as “keen” on the move to Anfield, including the loan idea.
Alisson has been with Liverpool since a goalkeeper world record transfer from Roma in 2018. The Brazilian was a backbone of the club’s success under Jurgen Klopp but missed a chunk of last season through injury and is getting into the final stages of his career – he turns 32 in October.
Signing Mamardashvili now with the view that he continues to develop and gain experience elsewhere, rather than sitting on Liverpool’s bench, could be a smart way to nail down the succession for when Alisson, currently under contract until 2027, does move on.
Mamardashvili has a €100m (£85.5m) release clause in his most recent contract with Valencia signed in 2022, but the Spanish side appear willing to accept a significantly lower offer than that.
