Giorgi Mamardashvili has already explained why he's staying at Valencia on loan

Liverpool is closing in on its first signing of the summer transfer window, with Giorgi Mamardashvili expected to be confirmed as a Reds player imminently.

The Georgian goalkeeper made a huge impression at Euro 2024, shining for his underdog country in its run to the last-16 in Germany. His form at the tournament alerted potential suitors to his quality, and it is Liverpool that has won the race for his signature.

With an expected transfer fee of €35million ($39m), fans might expect that the Reds are signing a player that will go straight into Arne Slot's starting line-up, but Mamardashvili will in fact remain with Valencia on loan.

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Liverpool is clearly planning for the future - Mamardashvili is, after all, eight years younger than Alisson - and it makes sense for all parties for the 23-year-old to continue his development in Spain.

The nature of the deal should come as little surprise judging off what Mamardashvili said earlier in the summer when he was being linked with a move to Bayern Munich.

He made it clear that he would not move clubs just to be a back-up goalkeeper, and that would almost certainly be the case if he were to move to Liverpool immediately.

“Bayern still have the best goalkeeper in the world," Mamardashvili said. "It’s currently not possible to move there. I would only go there if I’ll play. If I don’t play, then not.”

Mamardashvili's stance is admirable. He clearly backs himself to perform at the highest level for an elite club, but if that club - in this case, Liverpool - isn't ready to offer him a first-team platform, then he is more than happy to stay put for now.

Amid links with a move to Saudi Arabia, it's not clear how long Alisson will remain at Liverpool, but when the Brazilian does leave, there will be an able replacement waiting in the wings.