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Liverpool FC are set to formally welcome Giorgi Mamardashvili to Anfield in July, concluding a meticulously planned transfer strategy that began with a €30 million (£25.4 million) agreement with Valencia in August 2024.

The arrangement of the transfer certainly raised some eyebrows amongst Liverpool fans with many wanting signings for the here and now.

The Georgian international, who has spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Valencia as part of the deal, will join a goalkeeping department in transition, poised to challenge Alisson Becker while offering long-term succession planning for the Reds’ No.

1 position.

The clubs agreed to a €30 million fixed fee with €5 million in performance-based add-ons, alongside a 10% sell-on clause for Valencia.

The club decided that Mamardashvili was to remain at Valencia for the 2024/25 campaign – a decision that preserved his development trajectory while giving Liverpool financial flexibility under Profit and Sustainability Rules.

The 24-year-old’s international stock soared during Georgia’s historic Euro 2024 campaign.

His 21 saves in the group stage – a tournament record – propelled the underdogs to the knockout rounds, including a clean sheet against eventual champions Spain.

But it now seems that the Georgian national team is willing to give many of their players, including Giorgi Mamardashvili, a break from June international friendlies against the Faroe Islands and Cape Verde:

“I think a large number of our players needed a rest,” manager Willy Sagnol said in a press conference on Wednesday as quoted by Nakrebi.ge

“They have had to play a lot of matches in the last 2-3 years.”

“I think it was the right decision to give them free time.

It is important that in September they are in good shape.”

It can only come as positive news for both Marmardashvili and Liverpool, as the shot-stopper gets a proper summer break and is able to arrive at Anfield recharged and ready for the 2025/26 campaign.

While the 24-year-old arrives as Alisson’s deputy, he’s not looking to be a peripheral figure in the squad – or go on loan for that matter:

“I’m not considering another loan move,” Mamardashvili told Geo Team earlier this month

“I will spend next season at Liverpool and give my all, just like I did at Valencia?

I’ll work hard every single day, and training with Alisson will help me.”

“The main thing is patience, training and hard work, and everything else will come by itself.”

“I think it will be good – training with [Alisson] will help me grow too, and I will gain a lot of experience with him.”

“They are looking at me as the Liverpool goalkeeper for the next ten years,” he added.

“Yes, they have even visited several times – we spoke to Liverpool, and they give you a lot of attention.”

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