Liverpool Set to Make Bold Decision Over £29m Star’s Future – Report | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Goalkeeping Dilemma: A Summer of Tough Decisions

Liverpool’s strategy for the upcoming 2025/26 season hints at significant changes, with a particular focus on their goalkeeping hierarchy. Giorgi Mamardashvili, a £29m acquisition from Valencia, faces an uncertain future at Anfield. Despite his considerable transfer fee, the 24-year-old goalkeeper’s immediate prospects under Liverpool head coach Arne Slot remain unclear.

Graeme Bailey from Rousing the Kop reports a challenging season for Mamardashvili at Valencia, a team battling relegation woes. Bailey notes, “Valencia have been terrible and could be relegated from La Liga.” This backdrop only adds complexity to his potential role at Liverpool, where he is currently viewed as the second choice behind Alisson Becker.

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Alisson’s Commitment Shapes Liverpool’s Plans

Alisson Becker’s decision to see out his contract until 2026 significantly impacts Mamardashvili’s role. Bailey suggests, “I haven’t had it 100 per cent confirmed by Liverpool that Mamardashvili will be back and starting for them next season. I wouldn’t rule out that Alisson starts next season and Mamardashvili might have another season out on-loan.” This scenario places Mamardashvili in a precarious position, especially considering the upcoming World Cup year. Bailey remarks, “I’d be amazed if Mamardashvili would accept the number two role in a World Cup year.”

Navigating Backup Options: Kelleher’s Likely Departure

The likely exit of Caoimhin Kelleher further complicates Liverpool’s goalkeeping situation. Kelleher, having performed commendably in Alisson’s absence, has not seen much action since December. Bailey’s report signals strong market interest in Kelleher, heightening the likelihood of his departure: “There’s a lot of interest in Kelleher, a lot of clubs looking for number ones.” With Kelleher poised to leave, Liverpool’s search for a reliable backup to Alisson becomes more urgent, yet it seems Mamardashvili may not be their immediate choice.

Photo: IMAGO

Strategic Moves in the Transfer Market

As Liverpool approaches the summer transfer window, the management must make strategic decisions to align their squad with Slot’s vision. The potential reshuffling in the goalkeeping department underscores the broader challenges Liverpool faces in building a competitive team for both domestic and European campaigns.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

With Liverpool’s ongoing goalkeeping quandary, fans are left pondering the future dynamics within the squad. The situation with Giorgi Mamardashvili is particularly disheartening for supporters. After investing £29m, it’s frustrating to see such talent potentially sidelined or sent away on another loan. Mamardashvili’s unwillingness to settle for a backup role, especially during a World Cup year, is understandable but presents a real dilemma for Liverpool.

The departure of Caoimhin Kelleher, though likely, is another blow to the depth of experience in the squad. As Alisson commits to Liverpool for the foreseeable future, the need for a solid second choice who can step in when required is undeniable. The club must navigate this transition smoothly to maintain harmony and confidence within the squad, ensuring that whoever stands behind Alisson can uphold the high standards expected at Anfield.

Fans will be keenly watching how Arne Slot handles this transition. The decisions made in the coming months could have significant repercussions for Liverpool’s ambitions and their goalkeeping stability. The hope is that the club’s management will find the right balance between loyalty to seasoned players like Alisson and the integration of promising talents like Mamardashvili.