Liverpool have made their first official signing of the 2024 summer transfer window as they confirmed the arrival of goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili for a reported €30 million ($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 deal.
Mamardashvili is currently blocked by Alisson in the Liverpool goal, so the transfer will see the the Georgian loaned back to Valencia for the coming season.
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Alisson is 31 years old, often considered the prime for goalkeepers, and has been amongst the best at his position in Europe for quite some time now. But after being heavily courted by Saudi clubs this summer, Liverpool have moved to seal his replacement with the Brazilian's current contract running through 2027.
Liverpool have traditionally leaned on their goalkeeper heavily throughout Jurgen Klopp's tenure, and while he hasn't been too busy in the early days of Arne Slot, he has been critical to the club's success the last few years and surely will be moving forward.
Thus, when Alisson departs, sealing a top performer in goal will be massive to the long-term health of Liverpool.
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Mamardashvili was statistically one of the best goalkeepers in Europe last season, helping Valencia to a top-half finish in La Liga while papering over the club's glaring defensive frailties. Through the first two matches of the young 2024/25 season, Valencia sit bottom of the Spanish top flight after conceding five goals on 4.79 xG, the third-most in the league.
Liverpool fans will hope Mamardashvili continues to develop with an upward trajectory as the newest member of the Reds' squad. If Valencia flirt with relegation, as they did two years ago where the club narrowly stayed afloat by just two points, it could signal a step back for Liverpool's new shot-stopper when they need him to stay on the rise.
