Liverpool to complete first transfer under Arne Slot as £30m fee agreed for Euro 2024 star

Giorgi Mamardashvili is set to return to Valencia on loan as first choice Alisson gave his backing to the ideo of signing another goalkeeper

Jamie Braidwood,Richard Jolly
Monday 26 August 2024 09:41 EDT
Comments
Giorgi Mamardashvili is set to return to Valencia on loan
Giorgi Mamardashvili is set to return to Valencia on loan (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Liverpool are set to make goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili the first signing of the Arne Slot era after agreeing a fee of €35m (£30m) for the Georgia international.

Mamardashvili is poised to undergo a medical as he completes his move from Valencia, where the 23-year-old will return on loan for the remainder of the season.

It will leave Alisson as Slot’s first-choice goalkeeper for this season after the Brazilian, whose contract expires in 2026, rejected the opportunity to move to Saudi Arabia.

Mamardashvili starred for Georgia at Euro 2024 as his nation reached the knockout stages and a deal has been reached now with the future in mind, although Alisson is also open to extending his stay.

The 31-year-old Alisson told the Liverpool Echo that the club made him aware of their plans to sign Mamardashvili and backed their plans to formulate a succession plan.

“I think the club needs to prepare for the future. We are not going to last forever here, I am getting old!” the Brazilian said.

“No, for a goalkeeper I am still young, I have a lot of energy and I still have much to give for this club and I want to give to the club as much as I can.

“I think it was a good idea, I knew about that (Mamardashvili) before it came out on social media and that is a good message for me because the club cares about what I think.”

Liverpool, who are the only club in the Premier League who are yet to make a signing this summer, defeated Brentford 2-0 on Sunday to continue Slot’s perfect start at Anfield.

The Reds were previously interested in Spain midfielder Martin Zubimendi but he opted to remain at Real Sociedad.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in