As the debate over Liverpool’s goalkeeper department rages on, there is another looming presence in the background in the shape of Giorgi Mamardashvili.
The Georgian international impressed over the Euro 2024 finals in the summer, leading to plenty of interest in signing him from Valencia.
However, in the end, it was Liverpool who signed Mamardashvili in a deal that will see him join the Reds in the summer of 2025.
In the meantime, Alisson Becker and Caoimhin Kelleher are battling for the number-one goalkeeper spot at Anfield, though that may change soon.
Liverpool fans tuning in to watch Mamardashvili on international duty were left with an idea of what to expect from the shot-stopper and the competition he will bring to the ranks.
Liverpool fans react to Giorgi Mamardashvili display for Georgia
Mamardashvili featured in UEFA Nations League action for Georgia in a tight encounter with Ukraine on Saturday night.
His side dominated but went 1-0 down early on to a Solomon Kvirkvelia own goal, putting plenty of pressure on them to respond.
The home side did so in the final 15 minutes as Georges Mikautadze scored an equaliser to bring the game level.
It then went back and forth without a breakthrough until Ukraine pushed in the final minutes on the counter attack.
Two efforts went flying towards Mamardashvili but the incoming Liverpool goalkeeper stood firm to pull off an excellent double save.
It helped earn Georgia a crucial point in their Nations League campaign while it left plenty of those on Merseyside pleased with the deal they’ve struck.
Taking to social media, one fan said: “I think Kelleher is great but Mamardashvili is different gravy,” before another added: “Mamardashvili looks a right character … another double save.”
Another added: “@LFC, give Valencia an extra £20m. Mamardashvili is the best goalkeeper in the world at the moment.”
While someone else chirped in to say: “Did you see his double save clutch vs Ukraine just now? Every club would sell their soul For Mamardashvili.”
One fan went on to praise the strength in depth in the goalkeeping department, adding: “Alisson Becker, Caoimhin Kelleher and Giorgi Mamardashvili. Is someone cutting onions?”
While it’s a position that many clubs would be jealous of, there is one or two problems peering around the corner for Liverpool to deal with there.
Liverpool face goalkeeper transfer dilemma
There are plenty of transfer conundrums for Liverpool to solve over the next year or so, including plenty of contract discussions.
Aside from those issues, there will also be questions over the goalkeeper ranks and which players will still be at the club.
With the arrival of Mamardashvili, there is uncertainty over the futures of Alisson and Kelleher and their roles in the team.
The former of the duo is the clear first choice at the moment with over two years remaining on his contract.
However, the 32-year-old has found himself to be rather injury-prone as of late and could face questions over his long-term place.
Kelleher, on the other hand, will likely have aspirations of being a number one goalkeeper somewhere in the future, whether that’s at Anfield or elsewhere.
With just over one year left on his deal and no guarantees, he could face another summer of being courted for transfer interest.
| Goalkeeper | Contract expiry |
| Alisson Becker | 2027 |
| Caoimhin Kelleher | 2026 |
| Giorgi Mamardashvili | Unknown (long-term expected) |
It means Liverpool face a scenario where everyone can’t be happy and could force through a move in one or more situations.
It remains to be seen who could be moved on, but the reality is that the strength in depth is as much a curse as it is a blessing for the Reds.
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