Richard Hughes transfer masterstroke clear after weeks of Liverpool pressure

Liverpool may have made a shrewd move in the transfer market this summer , with new signing Giorgi Mamardashvili being nominated for the prestigious Yashin Trophy.

The accolade, which is presented alongside the Ballon d'Or, honors the world's best goalkeeper and is named after Soviet Union legend Lev Yashin. Reds star Mamardashvili , who is currently on loan at Valencia, is in the running to scoop the award in October.

The young keeper will be up against some tough competition, with nine others also vying for the prize. These include Diogo Costa (Porto), Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG), Gregor Kobel (Borussia Dortmund), Andriy Lunin (Real Madrid), Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Emi Martinez (Aston Villa), Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao), Yann Sommer (Inter Milan) and Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns).

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This means that Liverpool's current first-choice keeper, Alisson Becker, has not been nominated. The Brazilian won the inaugural Yashin Trophy in 2019, came second in 2022, and has twice been included in the FIFA FIFPRO Men's World 11.

Liverpool transfer chief Richard Hughes was under considerable pressure to sign a player throughout the summer transfer window before the arrivals of Mamardashivili and Federico Chiesa, as Liverpool was the last Premier League team to get a deal over the line.

At just 23 years old, Georgia international Mamardashivili is the youngest nominee this year and could prove to be a valuable asset for Arne Slot in the future. Liverpool secured his services from Valencia last month before immediately loaning him back.

Anfield is gearing up for a possible goalkeeping showdown next summer, with a La Liga star with over 100 appearances poised to join the squad. While some might fancy this keeper as Alisson's heir apparent, his ambition suggests he may not be content warming the bench for long. Moreover, Liverpool's No. 1 isn't planning an exit any time soon.

Alisson, whose tenure at Anfield could extend to 2027 thanks to contract terms, emphasized his commitment. "I want to honour my contract and finish my contract here or make a new one," said Alisson. "Why stay? I am really happy here. My family is happy."