Liverpool Completes Signing of Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia

Liverpool has finalized the signing of 23-year-old Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia in a deal worth £29 million. The transfer is seen as a long-term successor to Alisson Becker.

The deal, which includes £25 million plus £4 million in add-ons, will see Mamardashvili stay with Valencia for the remainder of the season before joining the Reds ahead of next season. Liverpool has been interested in the goalkeeper for several years and views this as the right time to sign him, given his value is likely to increase in the next 12 months.

Alisson, who has two years remaining on his contract with the option of another 12 months, has welcomed the signing, saying, “The club needs to prepare for the future. We’re not going to last forever. I have a lot of energy and still have much to give, but Liverpool have to prepare ahead.”

Liverpool have signed Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia

The signing is seen as succession planning for Alisson, who is in no rush to leave and turned down interest from Saudi Arabia this summer. New sporting director Richard Hughes is understood to see this as a proactive move.

Alisson added, “I knew about it (the interest in Mamardashvili) before it came out, and that’s a good message for me because the club cares about what I think.”

On his future, Alisson said, “Yes, there was interest (from Saudi). When you hear about the numbers other players are getting for playing in Saudi, you are a little bit attracted, that is normal, but it never got to the point where I was talking about wages.

“I have a contract with Liverpool, and I want to finish it, or make a new one. I’m really happy. While I have my contract, I will be focused here at Liverpool. If it’s in the interest of the club to negotiate me with another club, then it will be a different conversation. I’m open (to Saudi Arabia), but not at present.”

The 29-year-old has arrived at Anfield in a deal worth £25m with an additional £4m in add-ons

Mamardashvili completed a medical on Monday and will not be officially unveiled by Liverpool at present as he remains a Valencia player until the end of this season.

The signing is seen as a significant move for Liverpool, with Mamardashvili becoming Arne Slot’s first signing since becoming the club’s manager.

The deal sees Mamardashvili become Arne Slot’s first signing since becoming Liverpool boss

Georgia assistant manager David Webb has previously praised Mamardashvili, saying he was destined for a big future. It is understood that Chelsea and other top European clubs were interested in the goalkeeper at the start of this window.

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Liverpool complete £29m signing of Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia – as the Georgian goalkeeper becomes the club’s first new arrival under Arne Slot