Liverpool have finalised terms with Valencia over the £29.5 million signing of goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili with an official unveiling by the Premier League giants expected in the next 48 hours.
- Exclusive from Graeme Bailey
While the Merseyside outfit still await their first outfield signing of the summer window – Martin Zubimendi becoming the latest number six to rebuff their advances – Liverpool are at least closing in on a man who could be tasked with replacing a modern-day Anfield legend at some point down the line.
HITC understands that Liverpool see Giorgi Mamardashvili as a long-term successor for star goalkeeper Alisson Becker.
Despite remaining as reliable as ever between the sticks, Alisson is now 31 and has attracted Saudi Arabian interest in recent months.
HITC can now confirm that a deal to bring in Mamardashvili is on the verge of being finalised. Liverpool will pay La Liga outfit Valencia £29.5 million, with confirmation set to arrive before the close of play on Wednesday.
Liverpool to sign Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili
So impressive at Euro 2024, the Georgia international will not arrive at Anfield this week, however.
He might not even arrive next year.
It is understood that Mamardashvili could spent more than one season out on loan, honing his talents before the day arrives when Liverpool consider it appropriate to move on from Alisson. With that day still a long way off, Mamardashvili may remain at Valencia’s disposal for the forseeable.
There was initially the prospect of a loan move to another Premier League club. Nottingham Forest had been mentioned. Mamardashvili turned down an approach from Bournemouth, however, with Liverpool now agreeing to let him stay and continue his impressive development in Spain.
The 6ft 6ins giant is undergoing his Reds medical as of Monday.
“Maybe, in a year or two’s, time (Mamardashvili can be the number one),” Spanish football expert Terry Gibson tells El Tel and Jon’s La Liga Weekly podcast. “I can see the forward thinking. Alisson might move on in a year or two and then they’ve got a readymade replacement.
“He is a really good goalkeeper,” former Manchester United and Tottenham forward Gibson adds, pleased to see Mamardashvili finally obtain mainstream acclaim.
“It was actually amazing watching him in the European Championships because we know how good he was, and it was interesting to see everyone (else) say ‘he’s really good’!
“You can understand Liverpool being interested. I’m surprised he’s still there to be honest because, after the performance in the European Championships, it opened him up (to major clubs).”
Alisson Becker wants to stay at Anfield
Otar Gabelia, the 1979 Soviet Goalkeeper of the Year, believes Mamardashvili has become the finest shot-stopper on the continent as ‘no goalkeeper has played better than him’ in recent times.
Eight years Alisson’s junior, Mamardashvili is still a long way off his peak too.
As for Alisson, the experienced Brazilian has kicked off the Arne Slot era with successive Premier League clean sheets, earning praise from Jurgen Klopp’s successor following Sunday’s 2-0 win over Brentford.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, the former Roma ace has also opened up on his desire to sign a new contract with Liverpool.
“Yes, there was interest (from Saudi Arabia),” Alisson begins. “When you hear about the numbers other players are getting for playing in Saudi, you are a little bit attracted. That is normal. But it never got to the point where I was talking about wages.
“I have a contract with Liverpool and I want to finish it, or make a new one. I’m really happy. While I have my contract, I will be focused here at Liverpool.
“If it’s in the interest of the club to negotiate me with another club, then it will be a different conversation. I’m open (to Saudi Arabia), but not at present.”
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