Liverpool Agree Deal to Sign Georgian Goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili
Liverpool Football Club has reached an agreement to sign Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia in a deal worth up to £29m. The 23-year-old will join the club, pending a work permit and international clearance, for a fee of £25m plus £4m in add-ons. However, Mamardashvili will continue to play for Valencia this season before making the move to Merseyside for the start of the 2025-26 campaign.
Mamardashvili, who played in Georgia’s four games at Euro 2024, has made 102 appearances for Valencia since joining them in 2021. He started both of Valencia’s fixtures this season, which ended in defeats against Barcelona and Celta Vigo. Liverpool’s decision to sign Mamardashvili now was driven by the growing interest in the goalkeeper, as they wanted to secure his services before other clubs had the chance to do so in the next 12-24 months.
While Mamardashvili’s arrival adds depth to Liverpool’s goalkeeping options, it does not affect the position of their current first-choice goalkeeper, Alisson Becker. The Brazilian international, who has two years left on his contract with the club and the option of a further year, has been supportive of the move for Mamardashvili. Liverpool’s new manager, Arne Slot, also has Republic of Ireland stopper Caoimhin Kelleher at his disposal this season.
The signing of Mamardashvili reflects Liverpool’s commitment to building a strong squad for the future. With Alisson approaching the later stages of his career, the club is keen to secure a talented goalkeeper who can potentially fill his shoes in the long run. Mamardashvili’s performances at Euro 2024 showcased his abilities, and Liverpool believes he has the potential to become an integral part of the team in the years to come.
This transfer also highlights the club’s proactive approach in the transfer market. By identifying and securing young talents early on, Liverpool can avoid missing out on players who might become highly sought after in the future. This strategy has been successful for the club in the past, as they have managed to unearth and develop several promising players who have gone on to become key contributors to their success.
In conclusion, Liverpool’s acquisition of Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia demonstrates their ambition to strengthen their squad with talented young players. The Georgian goalkeeper’s arrival adds depth to their goalkeeping options and provides a potential successor to Alisson Becker. By securing Mamardashvili’s services now, Liverpool has taken a proactive approach to ensure they don’t miss out on his potential in the future. With Mamardashvili’s talent and the support of Alisson, Liverpool’s goalkeeping department looks set to be in safe hands for years to come.