According to reports, Liverpool are closing a deal for Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.
The Georgian keeper has been described as a ‘long term target’ for the Reds. Mamardashvili had a stunning campaign at EURO 2024 where he helped Georgia reach the Round of 16 with his heroics in goal.
Who is Giorgi Mamardashvili?
Giorgi Mamardashvili is a 23 year old Georgian keeper currently on the books of La Liga side Valencia. He joined the club in 2022 on a permanent deal after initially being on loan for the 2021/22 season.
Mamardashvili kept 13 clean sheets in 37 games in the league for Valencia, who finished 9th last season. This summer at EURO 2024, the keeper made 7.5 saves per game, more than any other keeper at the tournament. The 23-year old had a standout game against the Czech Republic where he made 11 saves to help Georgia secure a 1-1 draw.
Liverpool’s future number one
According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool are looking to close a deal for Giorgi Mamardashvili. No agreement has been reached, but the Reds have contacted Valencia.
The 23-year old has been lined up to take over as Liverpool number one when Alisson Becker eventually leaves the club. Alisson is currently 31 and his deal expires in the next three years. The plan would be for Mamardashvili to go out on loan for a few seasons before he becomes the club’s number one goalkeeper.
What has been said about Giorgi Mamardashvili
Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou was impressed by the goalkeeper during ITV’s coverage of Georgia versus Portugal in the group stage of the Euros:
“They have an outstanding goalkeeper in Mamardashvili. He is one that everyone is tracking,” Postecoglou said.
“He has had a strong season at Valencia and when you have a strong goalkeeper, who is in form, it keeps you in games.”
Former Reds goalkeeper David James also rates the Georgian stopper highly, when he spoke to Liverpool.com last month, he said: “Mamardashvili was amazing at saving shots,”
Former Dinamo Tbilisi scout Mikha Gabechava also had a few words to say on Mamardashvili:
“Mamardashvili’s leadership, communication and presence in goal gives the entire back line much more confidence, consequently allowing them to play more effectively,” he said to Anfield Watch.
“His confidence and character are exactly what [Georgia] need, especially in such a young team.”
Giorgi Mamardashvili was also a Chelsea target before the London eventually signed Filip Jorgensen. The Valencia keeper was under consideration by the Blues according to Ben Jacobs.
Liverpool have been quoted a fee around €35million for Mamardashvili and will hope to seal the deal before the end of the transfer window.
