Giorgi Mamardashvili has sent a stark warning to Alisson Becker ahead of his arrival at Liverpool next summer that he’ll be targeting the No.1 spot at Anfield.
The Georgia international is set to join the Reds in 2025 after Liverpool completed a deal with Valencia during the most recent transfer window. Mamardashvili will remain in Spain this season before completing his move to Merseyside ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Alisson was linked with a move to Saudi Arabia during the summer, although he played down suggestions he could join the likes of Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane in the Middle East, insisting he wants to see out his contract at Liverpool. The Brazilian’s deal is set to expire in 2026, although the Reds do have the option of an extra year.
The goalkeeper’s signing has led to questions over how Arne Slot will juggle his options next season, with Alisson widely considered to be the best stopper in the world. The 32-year-old though has been hindered by more injury problems as he faces another lengthy spell out of the side.
Alisson’s injury has led to reports Liverpool could look to bring Mamardashvili to Anfield early (via Fichajes), although the Reds would have to agree a compensation deal with Valencia in January to do so, which seems unlikely given they have Caoimhin Kelleher and Vitezslav Jaros in reserve.
Mamardashvili was in action again for Georgia during the international break, although he couldn’t prevent his nation from falling to back-to-back defeats against Ukraine and Albania, with question marks over his goalkeeping in the former. Nevertheless, the 24-year-old has sent a clear message to Alisson after speaking out on his move to Liverpool.
“I was attracted to the Liverpool project when the club’s representatives met with me to sign me,” Mamardashvili said (via El Desmarque).
“I will fight for the starting goalkeeper position, even if the current goalkeeper does not leave the team.”
