As things stand, Trent Alexander-Arnold is due to become a free agent in the summer of 2025. The same goes for Mo Salah, with Saudi Arabian interest in the ‘Egyptian King’ no secret.
Then there’s Virgil van Dijk. There were 33 candles on his birthday cake in July.
At least, when it comes to Alisson Becker, Liverpool appear to have a plan in place when the day arrives for the brilliant Brazilian to say his goodbyes after over half-a-decade’s worth of sterling service.
Alisson has courted Middle Eastern interest himself recently. And, HITC understands, the idea is for Giorgi Mamardashvili to eventually take his place between the sticks.
Liverpool in for Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili
Liverpool have held talks with Valencia about a potential £30 million deal.
And while their pursuit of another La Liga star ended in disappointment – Martin Zubimendi opted to stay at Real Sociedad – the Merseyside giants will be encouraged by what Valencia sporting director Miguel Angel Cordona said last week.
In short, Cordona admits that Valencia are prepared to sell key players if they receive an offer they deem acceptable.
And HITC have been told that Liverpool could land Mamardashvili for nearly a third of his £85 million release clause.
“I did hear that they wanted to sign him before they had to deal with Alisson leaving. So the idea would be sign him and then loan him,” Spanish football expert Terry Gibson tells El Tel and Jon’s La Liga Weekly podcast.
“And maybe, in a year or two’s, time (Mamardashvili can be the number one).
“I can see the forward thinking. Alisson might move on in a year or two and then they’ve got a readymade replacement.
Gibson has heard right.
HITC have been told that Liverpool could look to agree a deal for Mamardashvili now but wait until 2025 to bring the 23-year-old to Anfield. By which time, Alisson may be ready for a new challenge.
A number of potential loan destinations are being considered in the meantime.
Liverpool feel that Mamardashvili may benefit from getting Premier League experience elsewhere for the next nine months or so, with Nottingham Forest and AFC Bournemouth among the clubs who have been made aware of the situation.
Mamardashvili may be Alisson Becker’s replacement
It was at Euro 2024 when Mamardashvili really introduced his talents to the mainstream.
‘Outstanding’ during Georgia’s run to the quarter-finals, he made arguably the save of the tournament when plucking a Diogo Dalot effort out of the top corner during that famous 2-0 win over Portugal.
“He is a really good goalkeeper,” former Manchester United and Tottenham forward Gibson adds, pleased to see Mamardashvili finally obtain continent-wide acclaim.
“It was actually amazing watching him in the European Championships because we know how good he was, and it was interesting to see everyone (else) say ‘he’s really good’!
“You can understand Liverpool being interested. I’m surprised he’s still there to be honest because, after the performance in the European Championships, it opened him up (to major clubs).”
