Liverpool have entered the race to sign Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, according to journalist Diego Pico.
Speaking to Radio Marca (quotes via Sport Witness), Pico said that the Reds are the “first team in line” to snap up the Georgian international, suggesting that current no.1 Alisson Becker has an offer from Saudi Arabia.
Mamardashvili is on the market this summer. Valencia have already signed his replacement Stole Dimitrievski on a free transfer from Rayo Vallecano.
Despite Mamardasvili’s excellent performances at the Euros, though, it is believed that he will sold if a team offers between €35m (£30m) and €40m (£34m).
Another Premier League manager has praised Mamardashvili
Speaking after Georgia’s 2-0 win over Portugal in the group stage last week, Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou was extremely complimentary about the keeper’s abilities:
“They have an outstanding goalkeeper in Mamardashvili. He is one that everyone is tracking. He has had a strong season at Valencia and when you have a strong goalkeeper, who is in form, it keeps you in games.”
As Postecoglou points out, the shot-stopper also had an excellent campaign at club level. He kept out 10.2 more goals than xG faced last campaign, which was the best figure in La Liga.
Liverpool could have rivals for the keeper
Up until recently, the two Premier League teams most heavily linked with Mamadashvili were Newcastle and Chelsea. For different reasons, though, neither team has firmed up their interest with a formal proposal.
The Magpies had issues with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules and they ultimately decided to sign Odysseas Vlachodimos from Nottingham Forest instead as part of the deal that saw Elliot Anderson moving in the other direction.
Chelsea, meanwhile, have not prioritised the signing of a new No.1 so far this summer, having looked to recruit a striker, a winger and a midfielder first.
