Liverpool Football Club is on the verge of making their first signing of the summer transfer window, with goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili set to join the team from Valencia in a deal worth around £34 million. Rumors of Liverpool’s interest in Mamardashvili have been circulating for the past two weeks, and sources on Merseyside have confirmed these claims.
The negotiation process has been ongoing, with Liverpool making several bids for the 23-year-old. Valencia’s owner, Peter Lim, has been adamant about his €40 million (£34.1m) asking price. However, it appears that Liverpool has finally matched that valuation, and according to James Pearce of The Athletic, they are “closing in on a deal” to secure Mamardashvili’s signature.
Initially, it was reported that Mamardashvili would be loaned out to Bournemouth. However, the latest developments suggest that he will remain with Valencia for the 2024/25 season. The decision on his future will then be made next summer, depending on the circumstances surrounding Liverpool’s current first-choice goalkeeper, Alisson. Mamardashvili’s arrival could serve as excellent succession planning, especially considering the uncertainties surrounding players like Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah.
There has been interest from Saudi Arabia in Alisson, which raises the possibility of him leaving Liverpool in the future. However, Mamardashvili’s loan agreement until 2026 indicates that Liverpool is planning for the long term. This proactive approach to recruitment is a positive sign from the club’s new recruitment team.
Giorgi Mamardashvili is a 23-year-old goalkeeper from Georgia. He began his career at Dinamo Tbilisi and has since had loan spells at Rustavi and Locomotive Tbilisi before joining Valencia in 2021. Mamardashvili played a crucial role in Georgia’s surprising run to the last 16 of the Euros this summer. In a standout performance against the Czech Republic, he made the second-most saves of any goalkeeper in a group stage match, with 11. He ended the tournament with the highest number of saves per 90 minutes (7.5) and goals prevented (4.7), according to FotMob. Mamardashvili also holds the record for the most consecutive LaLiga starts at Valencia, with 69 in a row.
In terms of his playing style, Mamardashvili is known for his agility, speed, and excellent shot-stopping abilities. According to defender Victor Mongil, who trained with Mamardashvili at Dinamo Tbilisi, the goalkeeper is adept at handling low shots and reaching challenging balls that taller goalkeepers may struggle with. His reflexes, quickness off the line, and ability to deny one-on-one situations are reminiscent of Liverpool’s current No. 1, Alisson. Standing at 6’6″, Mamardashvili is dominant in his area and is considered more of a traditional shot-stopper rather than a sweeper-keeper like Alisson. However, there is confidence that he can develop into a more well-rounded player within Liverpool’s system.
In conclusion, Liverpool’s pursuit of Giorgi Mamardashvili highlights the club’s proactive approach to building for the future. The signing of the talented goalkeeper not only strengthens their squad but also provides a potential replacement for Alisson, who has attracted interest from Saudi Arabia. Mamardashvili’s impressive performances at the Euros and his record-breaking stint at Valencia showcase his abilities as a shot-stopper with great reflexes and agility. While he may have areas to improve upon, Liverpool’s belief is that he can develop into a more complete player under their guidance. This signing demonstrates Liverpool’s commitment to securing promising talents and ensuring a smooth transition in key positions within the team.