Giorgi Mamardashvili his dismissed suggestions he could head out on loan next season as he prepares for his arrival at Liverpool.
The goalkeeper will officially complete his move to Anfield this summer after a $39 million deal was agreed with Valencia last summer. Having said his goodbyes to the Spanish club, Mamardashvili will join up with his new teammates for pre-season as preparations begin for next season’s Premier League title defense.
There is some debate over what Mamardashvili’s role will be next season. With Alisson Becker still the undisputed No.1 at Anfield, the Georgia international may have to be patient to find a route into Arne Slot’s side.
That has led to some suggestions that Liverpool may look to send Mamardashvili out on loan, although that plan is complicated by the expected departure of long-time No.2 Caoimhin Kelleher this summer.
Speaking to Geo Team ahead of his move to Merseyside, Mamardashvili insisted he has no plans of heading out on loan next season, having spoken to the club about his role.
“They are looking at me as the Liverpool goalkeeper for the next 10 years,” Mamardashvili claimed.
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“My next step will be the same as it was in Valencia. I will go and prove myself and do what I can.
“The main thing is patience, training and hard work, and everything else will come by itself.
“I think it will be good, training with [Alisson] will help me grow too and I will gain a lot of experience with him.”
Although Mamardashvili is yet to speak to Slot, the 24-year-old has maintained regular contact with the Reds, and in particular goalkeeping coach Fabian Otte.
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“Yes, they have even visited several times,” Mamardashvili explained. “We spoke to Liverpool and they give you a lot of attention.”
Mamardashvili has just one game remaining with Valencia before he leaves Spain, with his final outing coming against Real Betis on Friday.
Liverpool.com says: It will be interesting to see just what Slot has in mind for Mamardashvili next season. Given what we’ve seen from Alisson this season, there won’t be any dislodging the Brazilian from the No.1 spot.
That could make things tricky considering Mamardashvili won’t be coming to Anfield and expecting to warm the bench. A loan might not be the worst option, although it sounds like the man himself isn’t too keen on that idea.
