No.1 battle, transfer chance - What Giorgi Mamardashvili Liverpool move means for Alisson

If it's possible to have both a busy and quiet summer transfer window, Liverpool certainly have a case to fit into both categories this year. The Reds are yet to make their first signing, but that has not stopped rumours swirling of potential new additions.

One player to be heavily linked with a move to Anfield is Giorgi Mamardashvili. The Valencia goalkeeper has been scouted by the Reds, who are now thought to be closing in on a deal to sign the shot-stopper.

Mamardashvili is valued at €40 million (£34 million) by Valencia, and reports are suggesting that a deal is close to being agreed for the goalkeeper to join Liverpool. It has been suggested, though, that the 23-year-old would spend the forthcoming campaign on loan with Valencia.

Liverpool already have Alisson Becker, Caoimhin Kelleher and Vitezslav Jaros as their goalkeeping options at Anfield. Alisson is the well-established No.1, while Kelleher looks set to have another campaign as the Brazilian's backup.

The signing of Mamardashvili will no doubt lead to questions about Liverpool's long-term goalkeeping plan. If the reports are to be believed, the Georgia international would not be expected to be part of the first-team squad at Anfield until the 2025/26 campaign.

Alisson is contracted to Liverpool until 2027, so from the Reds' standpoint, there is not likely to be any pressure to sell even next year. Whether or not the Brazilian plans to put pen to paper on fresher terms before his current deal expires remains to be seen, though.

There have been rumours that Kelleher will leave Liverpool in search of becoming a No.1 at a new club. It's pretty safe to assume that the arrival of Mamardashvili would be to prepare to replace one of Alisson or Kelleher in the future.

That will depend on how Liverpool view Mamardashvili's development over the next 12 months. If the shot-stopper goes on to be the player that the Reds and Valencia believe he is, then it's very possible that he could go on to be Alisson's replacement and the new No.1 goalkeeper at Anfield.

Should that happen, then decisions will need to be made in 2025 of what Liverpool want to do regarding Alisson's future. The club has a record of letting players run down their contracts and leave as free agents, but if the player seeks a new move or a suitable offer arrives then discussions may be needed.