Liverpool have already identified their long-term replacement for Alisson Becker and plan to sign him this summer, according to reports in Spain.
Alisson has arguably been the best signing at Liverpool in the FSG era, having first joined the club in a £67m move from Roma in 2018.
Since replacing Loris Karius as No 1, Alisson has made 263 appearances for Liverpool – keeping 114 clean sheets in the process.
The Brazil international has even scored one crucial goal for the Reds, heading in a dramatic winner against West Brom in the 2020/21 season which helped the club clinch Champions League football for the following campaign.
He played a key role in Liverpool’s success under former manager Jurgen Klopp, winning the Premier League, Champions League, Club World Cup, FA Cup and League Cup under the German.
Alisson, 31, still has three years remaining on his current contract at Anfield but has been linked with a move away – with Saudi club Al Nassr among those said to be interested in the goalkeeper.
While Liverpool rightfully view Alisson as a club legend and are in no rush to replace him, they are seemingly already preparing for life after the Brazilian.
Spanish outlet Relevo claim the Premier League side are set to make a bid for Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili – viewing him as a long-term replacement for Alisson.
Mamardashvili impressed for Georgia at the recent Euros in Germany, where his nation reached the last 16 before losing to eventual winners Spain.
According to Relevo, Liverpool are planning a €30m (£26m) bid for the goalkeeper.
It is claimed Liverpool could sign the Georgian this summer and loan him to another Premier League club for one season, before bringing him back for the 2025/26 campaign – should Alisson seek a move elsewhere at that point.
Bournemouth are said to be one club Liverpool could loan Mamardashvili to in order to keep him active and to help him acclimatise to English football.
Valencia value the goalkeeper at €35m (£30m) and would accept a bid close to this valuation, the report claims.
Should Liverpool make a bid for Mamardashvili, it would raise further questions over the future of current No 2, Caoimhin Kelleher.
The Irishman has made no secret of his desire for regular first-team football after impressing in the cup competitions for Liverpool, and has previously admitted he may have to leave the club this summer.
“It would be great if that happened at Liverpool, but I’m not silly,” Kelleher told The Athletic.
“I know that Ali has been the best goalkeeper in the world for years.
“I’ve had such an amazing time at Liverpool. It’s been a crazy journey for me and one that I’ve absolutely loved. I love the club, I love the fans and I have a great relationship with the players and the staff.
“Whether it’s here at Liverpool or somewhere else, I do feel the next step for me is to be a No 1.”
Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Alisson Becker, Premier League, Liverpool, Transfers, Transfer News, Valencia, La Liga, Bournemouth