Giorgi Mamardashvili has made it clear that he is not arriving at Liverpool to be a backup. Instead, the Georgian goalkeeper intends to challenge Alisson Becker for the number one spot once he joins the Reds next summer. Mamardashvili, who is currently on loan at Valencia after signing with Liverpool, has built a strong reputation, making over 100 appearances for the Spanish club since joining in 2021 and impressing during Euro 2024.
Despite Alisson’s status as one of the world’s top goalkeepers and his contract at Liverpool running until 2027, Mamardashvili is determined to compete for the first-choice role. Speaking to First Channel, via ElDesmarque, he said, “I will fight for the starting goalkeeper position, even if the current goalkeeper does not leave the team.” This statement underlines his ambition and sets up a potential battle for the gloves at Anfield next season.
Alisson is currently recovering from a thigh injury, with Vitezslav Jaros stepping in for Liverpool’s last game against Crystal Palace. Irish goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, who missed that match due to illness, is expected to start in their upcoming fixture against Chelsea. The situation at Liverpool’s goalkeeping position could become even more competitive once Mamardashvili officially arrives.
Meanwhile, Mamardashvili remains focused on his current campaign at Valencia, though the Spanish club is struggling in La Liga. Valencia has had a tough start to the season, currently sitting in 18th place after nine games. Mamardashvili has managed three clean sheets in his last four appearances, but he knows the challenge of avoiding relegation will be difficult. “We haven’t had the best luck with the schedule, playing big teams like Barcelona and Atlético early on,” he explained. “But there are matches coming up where we can take points, and we remain hopeful.”
While Mamardashvili represents a promising future for Liverpool, his signing was one of only two major moves during the recent transfer window, the other being Federico Chiesa from Juventus. Despite the lack of new arrivals, Liverpool manager Arne Slot has had a strong start to life at the club, with the team sitting at the top of the Premier League table.
Slot has expressed confidence in the club’s transfer strategy, praising both Mamardashvili and Chiesa as signings that strengthen the team for now and the future. Liverpool will soon have to navigate the competition in goal as Mamardashvili arrives with the ambition to secure the number one spot.
