Liverpool have struck their first deal for 2026, securing Valencia goalkeeper **Giorgi Mamardashvili** on a long-term contract, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed.
The Georgian shot-stopper, regarded as one of Europe’s most promising young keepers, will follow a unique phased pathway before officially arriving at Anfield.
### Deal Structure
* **2025–26 season**: Mamardashvili will spend the year on loan at **Bournemouth**, allowing him to adapt to the Premier League without the immediate pressure of Liverpool’s No.1 shirt.
* **Summer 2026**: He will then officially become a Liverpool player, joining Arne Slot’s squad as part of a carefully structured transition.
Romano explained:
> “Liverpool and Giorgi Mamardashvili have an agreement on contract terms… the plan is for him to spend next season at Bournemouth, and then in 2026 become a Liverpool player.”
### Why the Phased Approach?
Liverpool’s strategy here is clear:
* **Experience First** – Goalkeeper is a role where mistakes are unforgiving. A season at Bournemouth gives Mamardashvili the chance to develop in the Premier League spotlight without the immediate Anfield glare.
* *Long-Term Planning** – By locking him in now, Liverpool avoid a transfer battle in 2026, securing exclusivity over one of Europe’s rising keepers.
* **Smooth Transition** – With Alisson still first-choice but edging towards his 30s, this move ensures succession planning without disruption.
### Is It Worth the Wait?
Yes. Liverpool won’t benefit immediately, but the long-term gain outweighs the delay. By 2026, Mamardashvili could be primed to either challenge Alisson or eventually succeed him.
This is more than just a signing—it’s a statement that Liverpool’s recruitment team are thinking **two steps ahead** in one of the game’s most crucial positions.
