Liverpool spark panic as Richard Hughes 'chases surprise £26m signing'

Liverpool are potentially set to sign Alisson Becker’s replacement with the Reds reportedly ‘determined’ to land Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. It is claimed that the Premier League side will pay Valencia around £26million to acquire the shot-stopper, who shone at Euro 2024.

Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson has been Liverpool’s No 1 since his 2018 transfer from Roma. There has previously been very little speculation over his future, although he is set to turn 32 this season and is entering the twilight of his career at the top level.

Liverpool are reportedly keen to ensure they have a long-term replacement should Alisson’s powers begin to wane over the coming years. According to Spanish publication Relevo, Liverpool negotiators are set to meet with their Valencia counterparts this week to thrash out a deal for Mamardashvili.

The report claims that the Reds view Alisson as their first-choice goalkeeper for another year but are concerned that Mamardashvili’s price tag could increase over the next 12 months. They also risk facing fiercer competition for the 23-year-old.

Mamardashvili is reportedly open to moving to Anfield but understands that he will play second-fiddle to Alisson for at least a year. It is claimed that a loan deal could be sought, with Liverpool’s Premier League rivals Bournemouth a possible temporary destination.

Bournemouth have been strongly linked with a permanent switch for Mamardashvili and it is said that they have the £26m free to make the deal happen. However, Liverpool remain the frontrunners and hope to conclude a deal before deciding what to do with his short-term future.

Alisson was Jurgen Klopp’s undisputed first-choice goalkeeper and seems set to start the Arne Slot era in goal. Liverpool also have Irishman Caoimhin Kelleher, with Klopp frequently claiming that the No 2 was the best second-choice shot-stopper in the Premier League.

However, Kelleher has long been linked with a transfer to a club where he would become first-choice. No deal has materialised for the 25-year-old yet, though.

Sporting director Richard Hughes is set for a busy couple of weeks at Anfield. New head coach Slot has spent the last month casting his eye over the players he inherited from Klopp. After some positive pre-season results, the Dutchman is likely to have identified the areas he needs to strengthen.

A new defender and another forward are likely to be added to the Liverpool squad. There remains uncertainty over the futures of wide pair Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz.