Liverpool, one step ahead, are already beginning to plan the future of their goal. With Alisson established as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, but aware that time is not forgiving, the English club is about to make a bold move in the market: the signing of Georgian youngster Giorgi Mamardashvili, just 23, a highlight of the last Euro. The target is clear, and the Reds already have an agreement with the player. Now the challenge is to convince Valencia, the club that has the goalkeeper under contract, to accept the 35 million euro offer on the table.
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Mamardashvili's name may sound new to many, but the Georgian goalkeeper has already made his mark on the international stage. At the 2024 European Championship in Germany, he made a name for himself by leading Georgia to the last 16 in his first appearance at the tournament. With a clean sheet in the historic win over Portugal, Mamardashvili has shown the world that his rise is no coincidence. His performance, especially in such a high-profile competition, has led to European elite clubs turning their attention to the young talent.
His arrival at Valencia in 2021 was the first big leap in Mamardashvili's career. What began as a loan move from Dinamo Tbilisi turned into a permanent contract just six months later, and since then he has amassed 100 appearances for the Spanish club. His meteoric progress meant that Valencia quickly realized what a rough diamond they had on their hands, but also that this diamond could attract covetous eyes.
At 23, Mamardashvili is at a crucial point in his career. He has already shown that he has the quality needed to shine on the biggest stages in world soccer, but he also knows that the transition to a European giant like Liverpool would not be immediate. For the English club, the idea of preparing him to replace Alisson is clear: to ensure that he maintains his playing rhythm at a smaller Premier League club, such as Bournemouth, before taking on the heavy responsibility of replacing the Brazilian idol.
This meticulous planning on the part of the Reds reveals a deep understanding of the dynamics of modern soccer. Alisson, at 31, still has a few years of top-level soccer ahead of him, but Liverpool want to ensure that the transition between now and then is as smooth as possible. With Mamardashvili, the club see the opportunity to shape a youngster with huge potential, who has already shown his ability in elite competitions, to eventually take over as first-choice keeper at Anfield.
However, the deal is not completely done. Valencia, aware of the value of their goalkeeper, are holding out for 40 million euros, a figure Liverpool consider high, especially considering the need for investment in other areas of the squad. Negotiations continue, and the next few days will be crucial in determining whether or not Liverpool can secure Alisson's replacement without compromising their budget.
In the meantime, Alisson remains the owner of the Reds' goal. Since arriving at Liverpool in 2018, the Brazilian has been instrumental in the club's achievements, including the Champions League and the Premier League. Last season, however, he made his fewest appearances since joining the club, playing in just 32 matches. This doesn't mean a drop in performance, but rather an indication that the club is starting to think about succession.
The possible arrival of Mamardashvili raises an interesting question: what will the dynamic be like between the young Georgian and Alisson? The transition between goalkeepers is always a challenge, especially when it comes to replacing an idol.
The future of Liverpool's goal could be about to change, and Mamardashvili seems to be the centerpiece of this new chapter. If the deal with Valencia goes through, the Reds will be banking on a raw talent who, with time and the right guidance, could well follow in Alisson's footsteps and become the next great goalkeeper to defend Liverpool's colors.