Liverpool have secured a deal to sign goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia, although he will not join the club until next summer. Mamardashvili, who has been Valencia’s first-choice goalkeeper since early 2022, has been the subject of transfer speculation for several weeks. The agreement, worth €35 million (£29.6m), will see Mamardashvili remain with Valencia for the 2024/25 season before a decision is made on his future. He is set to undergo a medical on Monday, August 26, and is expected to sign a six-year contract.
The signing of Mamardashvili is significant for Liverpool’s long-term planning, particularly in light of uncertainties surrounding the future of their current first-choice goalkeeper, Alisson. While Alisson has expressed his commitment to the club, Liverpool cannot afford to be caught off guard by potential departures of key players like Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah. Therefore, securing a promising young goalkeeper like Mamardashvili ensures the club’s succession planning remains on track.
Mamardashvili, who has 21 senior caps for Georgia, has established himself as Valencia’s top goalkeeper over the past two-and-a-half seasons. He joined the Spanish club in 2021 after loan spells with FC Rustavi and Locomotive Tbilisi. The 23-year-old was a standout performer for Georgia in this summer’s Euros, helping his team reach the last 16. According to FotMob, Mamardashvili recorded the most saves per 90 minutes (7.5) and goals prevented (4.7) during the tournament.
In terms of his playing style, Mamardashvili is known for his agility, speed, and ability to handle low shots. According to Victor Mongil, a former teammate at Dinamo Tbilisi, Mamardashvili is a goalkeeper who defends well and excels at reaching challenging balls that taller goalkeepers may struggle with.
Overall, Liverpool’s acquisition of Mamardashvili demonstrates their proactive approach to securing talented young players for the future. By making strategic signings like this, the club can ensure a smooth transition when key players eventually reach the end of their careers. Mamardashvili’s impressive performances for Georgia and Valencia indicate that he has the potential to become a valuable asset for Liverpool in the years to come.