Liverpool are exploring a deal to sign Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Valencia value the 23-year-old at more than €45million (£38.6m; $49.6m). His contract runs until June 2027 and contains a €100m release clause.
If a deal can be agreed, the expectation is Mamardashvili would not arrive at Liverpool until 2025, with Alisson’s status as first-choice not under threat for the upcoming campaign.
Liverpool are well stocked in the goalkeeping department with Republic of Ireland international Caoimhin Kelleher impressing in the No 2 role, particularly last season when Alisson was injured.
Mamardashvili, who has made 100 senior appearances for Valencia, was a standout performer for Georgia in their run to the European Championship last 16 this summer.
Valencia sporting director Miguel Angel Corona claimed last week that they had already received two offers for Mamardashvili. “We have rejected three offers for Javi (Guerra), two for Giorgi, plus interest that we have rejected for that price,” he said.
Mamardashvili impressed for Georgia at the Euros (Marco Steinbrenner/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
The Athletic reported last month that, before the Euros, Mamardashvili had already been on the radar of a number of European clubs such as Newcastle United, Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan.
Valencia maintain they are prepared to keep Mamardashvili or see him leave for a significant fee. The Georgian, who kept 13 clean sheets in 37 La Liga games last season, played in Valencia’s final pre-season friendly against Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday and is in line to feature when they face Barcelona in their La Liga opener this weekend.
What does this tell us about Liverpool’s goalkeeping plans?
The interest in Mamardashvili suggests Liverpool are already thinking about who is best placed to be Alisson’s long-term successor.
The Brazil international turns 32 in October but has three years remaining on his contract and remains one of the best goalkeepers in the world. However, this move would put his longer-term future in doubt, and he has been the subject of interest from Saudi Arabia in recent windows including this summer.
It would also open the door for Kelleher to potentially leave when Mamardashvili arrives. Kelleher has not hidden the fact he wants to be a No 1 to further his development and career.
Liverpool value the 25-year-old highly and would expect a fee of at least £25m before considering selling him. The club would not countenance losing him this summer unless they receive an offer they feel they cannot refuse.
This summer saw a change of staff in the goalkeeping department with John Achterberg and Jack Robinson departing and new goalkeeper coach Fabian Otte arriving. Hans Leitert was appointed head of global goalkeeping for Fenway Sports Group (FSG).
Additional reporting: James Pearce
(Top photo: Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
Read the full article here