Giorgi Mamardashvili's Liverpool arrival spells obvious exit as transfer strategy clear

Giorgi Mamardashvili ’s move to Liverpool all but signals the end for Reds’ fan favorite Caoimhin Kelleher as Arne Slot ’s goalkeeping transfer plan becomes clear.

The Reds are reportedly ready to land Georgia’s Euro 2024 hero goalkeeper from Valencia with Slot looking to bolster his options between the sticks. It’s reported by The Athletic that a fee in the region of €40million (£34m) has been discussed between the two clubs.

As part of the deal, Mamardashvili is expected to remain at Valencia for the duration of the 2024/25 campaign before officially joining Liverpool next summer. The Reds remain sure on Alisson’s status as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper and the 23-year-old’s transfer has been planned as such with the Brazilian’s position not under threat.

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However, Mamardashvili’s arrival would likely spell the end for Republic of Ireland international and Anfield academy graduate Kelleher ’s Liverpool career. The 25-year-old has deputized admirably in the absence of Alisson as well as featuring in cup competitions, but his time in Merseyside looks to be coming to an end amid Mamardashvili’s move.

Kelleher is said to want to be a No.1 choice and is unlikely to extend his Liverpool contract which expires in 2026. The 14-time Ireland international is said to be valued at $32.5 million (£25 million) by the Reds and his future hangs in the balance.

Joining Liverpool’s youth team from Ringmahon in his homeland, Kelleher made his Reds debut in September 2019 as he kept a clean sheet against MK Dons in the EFL Cup. Kelleher has since gone on to make 47 appearances for Liverpool’s first team – playing a vital role in winning Jurgen Klopp ’s final trophy at the club as he played every available minute in their Carabao Cup triumph last season.

Kelleher featured 26 times in all competitions for Liverpool last season – making eight appearances in their Europa League quarter-final run as well as deputizing 10 times in the Premier League in Alisson’s injury absence.

But it appears that Kelleher is ready to move elsewhere to nail down a first-team spot. He previously told The Athletic : "My main ambition is to be a No.1 and it would be great if that happened at Liverpool, but I’m not silly. I know that Ali has been the best goalkeeper in the world for years.

"Whether it’s here at Liverpool or somewhere else, I do feel the next step for me is to be a No 1. I’ve loved being at Liverpool and hopefully there’s more to come. But I feel like I’ve done my years as a No.2."

Whether Liverpool cash in on interest in Kelleher before the deadline this summer or convince the Irishman to remain at Anfield for another season before Mamardashvili arrives remains to be seen.