Liverpool have made their first official signing of the 2024 summer transfer window. they confirmed the arrival goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili for an estimated €30m ($33.5m/£25.3m).
The deal is still pending a work permit, but that shouldn’t be a problem after the Valencia star excelled for Georgia at Euro 2024. No contract details have been officially revealed, but reports claim The 23-year-old has signed a six-year contract.
Mamardashvili is currently blocked by Alisson in the Liverpool goal, so the transfer will see the Georgian loaned to Valencia for the coming season.
Alisson is 31, often considered the quintessential goalkeeper and has been among the best in his position in Europe for some time now. But after being heavily courted by Saudi clubs this summer, Liverpool have moved to secure his replacement, with the Brazilian’s current contract running until 2027.
Liverpool have traditionally relied heavily on their goalkeeper throughout Jurgen Klopp’s tenure, and while he hasn’t been overly busy in Arne Slot’s early days, he has been vital to the club’s success in recent years and will surely continue to do so moving forward.
So when Alisson leaves, securing the goalkeeping position with a top player will be very important for Liverpool’s long-term health.
Mamardashvili was statistically one of the best goalkeepers in Europe last season, helping Valencia finish in the top half of La Liga while masking the club’s glaring defensive weaknesses. Through the first two games of the young 2024/25 season, Valencia sit last in the Spanish top flight having conceded five goals on 4.79 xG, the third-highest number in the league.
Liverpool fans will be hoping that Mamardashvili will continue to progress as the new member of the Reds squad. If Valencia flirt with relegation, like they did two years ago when they barely stayed afloat by two points, it could mean a step backwards for Liverpool’s new keeper when they need him to continue to progress.
