Giorgi Mamardashvili is tipped for a Serie A move after struggling to match Alisson’s standards, leaving Liverpool with a major decision to make before 2027.
Following the definitive decision to retain Alisson Becker at the club amidst heavy interest from Juventus, Liverpool’s hierarchy may be forced into a tactical rethink regarding their secondary option between the sticks.
Giorgi Mamardashvili,originally brought in to be the heir apparent to the Brazilian icon, could now be on his way out of Anfield on a temporary basis, with Serie A emerging as a highly viable destination for the Georgian shot-stopper.
The 25-year-old moved to Anfield last summer from Valencia in a deal worth £29 million. He was widely viewed as the long-term successor to Alisson. With a series of injuries keeping the 33-year-old number one sidelined for an extended period last season, Mamardashvili was handed a golden opportunity to prove his elite credentials.
However, his performances failed to fully convince the Anfield faithful, struggling to meet the incredibly lofty standards set by one of the greatest goalkeepers in Liverpool’s history.
Without an immediate pathway into the first team due to Alisson’s extended stay, a loan move appears to be the most logical vehicle for Mamardashvili to showcase his true worth before the Brazilian’s current contract expires in 2027.
Yet, underlying fears remain among Kopites that the Georgian may lack the comprehensive quality required for the Reds to consistently challenge for the Premier League title, meaning a new goalkeeper could find its way back onto Liverpool’s transfer shortlist sooner than expected.
Experience needed amid Anfield rebuild
Alisson’s importance to the club extends far beyond his shot-stopping abilities. He remains one of the final remaining veteran leaders in the squad following the high-profile departures of Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson.
Coupled with the recent sacking of manager Arne Slot, Liverpool find themselves in a delicate transitional period. Retaining as many experienced, calming figures as possible is paramount if the Reds are to successfully navigate their ongoing rebuild after the disappointment of last season.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that the 33-year-old Brazilian international will be staying on Merseyside, barring an unexpected and drastic U-turn in his personal stance.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano shed light on the current dynamic behind the scenes.
“I don’t know if Alisson can one day show up at the training ground and say, ‘I want to leave, let me go to Juventus’. But at the moment, that’s not the case; the relationship is excellent between Alisson and Liverpool.”
Despite Alisson committing his immediate future to the club, Liverpool’s backup goalkeeper is still guaranteed plenty of minutes over the course of a gruelling campaign.
Alisson’s recent injury record is a growing concern; he only returned to the matchday squad for the final day of the season in the 1-1 draw against Brentford after missing over two months of football with a severe hamstring issue.
Mamardashvili on the move to Serie A?
While Mamardashvili has shown flashes of the brilliant shot-stopping ability that made him a standout star in La Liga, his overall distribution and composure on the ball have come under heavy fire from critics and supporters alike.
These structural deficiencies have led many fans to claim he lacks the modern progressive profile required to eventually step into Alisson’s shoes.
To bridge the gap between sitting on the Anfield bench and getting the developmental minutes he desperately needs, a loan move is being actively discussed. Romano confirmed that this transition plan is firmly on the table for the Liverpool board.
“If Alisson is staying, eventually it could be for Mamardashvili to go one season on loan to play on a regular basis and then return to Liverpool in 2027 as the starting goalkeeper replacing Alisson. This is something the club has to decide.”
Juventus could provide the perfect landing spot for the young goalkeeper. Following the collapse of their initial inquiries regarding Alisson, the Italian giants have turned their attention to the secondary market. Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari reported that the Bianconeri have made formal inquiries with the Reds regarding a temporary loan deal.
With their current option, Michele Di Gregorio, failing to look like a finished product, a one-year loan could be mutually beneficial. It allows Mamardashvili to pick up invaluable top-tier minutes in Italy while Alisson plays out the penultimate year of his contract ahead of a potential 2027 departure.
The search for an elite number one
It is imperative to the long-term future of Liverpool Football Club that they possess a truly world-class presence in goal. The club knows all too well the devastating cost of lacking an elite option, having endured years of instability when Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius occupied the Anfield goal line.
The transformative signing of Alisson from Roma in 2018 was the ultimate catalyst that allowed the Reds to evolve from a side merely battling for top-four qualification into a powerhouse capable of conquering Europe and the Premier League.
A similar blueprint has been followed by their closest rivals; Manchester City reached a new level after acquiring Ederson, and Arsenal solidified their title credentials by replacing Aaron Ramsdale with David Raya.
Having a foundational pillar in goal is often the definitive factor that separates regular contenders from champions. The former Valencia man could still prove to be that pillar, but Liverpool’s decision-makers must act swiftly and decisively, as the current European goalkeeper market is drastically lacking in elite depth.
ReadLiverpoolFC Verdict
The decision to send Mamardashvili out on loan to a club of Juventus’ stature is an absolute no-brainer for Liverpool, but it shouldn’t completely mask the wider recruitment issue. While a year in Serie A will test the Georgian’s resilience and sharpen his reflexes, his fundamental weakness lies in his footwork and distribution areas that are incredibly difficult to radically transform at 25 years old.
Alisson Becker bought the club time by rejecting the advances of Turin, but 2027 is arriving fast. If Mamardashvili cannot drastically improve his composure on the ball during a potential loan spell, Liverpool cannot afford to automatically hand him the number one shirt.
