Liverpool Close to Securing Future Goalkeeping Talent
Liverpool are on the brink of signing highly-rated Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia. The 23-year-old shot-stopper burst onto the international scene with a stellar performance at UEFA Euro 2024, helping Georgia reach the knockout stages for the first time in their history.
This delayed transfer would give Liverpool time to evaluate their goalkeeping situation heading into the 2025/26 season. By then, Alisson Becker will be nearing his 33rd birthday and entering the final two years of his contract. Both goalkeepers are unlikely to accept a secondary role, posing a potential dilemma for the club.
A similar situation occurred over a decade ago when Chelsea signed Thibaut Courtois from Genk in 2011. Courtois was loaned to Atletico Madrid for three seasons rather than immediately challenging Petr Cech at Stamford Bridge. He eventually returned to replace Cech as Chelsea’s No.1 in 2014.
Mamardashvili, who became Valencia’s first-choice goalkeeper midway through the 2021/22 season, gained significant international recognition during UEFA Euro 2024. His standout performances, particularly against Czechia and Portugal, helped Georgia reach the group stage in their first major tournament before they were eliminated by eventual champions Spain.
Meanwhile, Liverpool’s current backup goalkeeper, Caoimhin Kelleher, remains at the club. Kelleher, who turned 26 in a few months, was on the bench for Liverpool’s Premier League opener against Ipswich Town.
Although he made 26 appearances last season when Alisson was sidelined due to injury, Kelleher has ambitions to be a first-choice goalkeeper, ambitions that seem increasingly unlikely to be realized at Anfield.
