Spanish media verdict on Giorgi Mamardashvili speaks volumes after Liverpool transfer

Spanish media has hailed Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili , who will arrive at Anfield next summer .

The Georgian international impressed during the European Championships this past summer, with a host of clubs across the continent showing an interest in Mamardashvili. However, in surprising fashion given their current goalkeeping department, the Reds decided to make the Georgian their first signing of the summer transfer window.

Signed for for an initial fee of only $33million (£25m/€30m), Mamardashvili will spend this season on-loan with Valencia before moving permanently to Merseyside to link up with Arne Slot's Reds. And despite Valencia's poor start to the season, Spanish media are impressed by how the 23-year-old has conducted himself so far this term.

Thursday’s edition of Valencia newspaper Superdeporte praised the Georgian shotstopper for his decision to remain with the La Liga side for one more season, adding he "may have no rival" in European football by the time he moves to Liverpool.

And while his quality was clear to everyone who watched him during the Euros, that quality was further confirmed after it was announced Mamardashvili was on the 10-man shortlist for the Yachin Trophy - which is awarded to the best goalkeeper in the world.

Last year, the award was won by Aston Villa's Emiliano Martinez, who helped Argentina to World Cup glory during the 2022 World Cup. The award is slightly undermined by the fact Alisson did not make the shortlist, but it does highlight Mamardashvili is a quality goalkeeper.

"His ceiling? He can be the best pure shot-stopper in Europe," La Liga expert Vinny Vasquez told Liverpool.com last week . "Think of a more athletic Thibaut Courtois or a taller Gigi Buffon — Iker Casillas-esque. I can't tell you how he would fit in Liverpool as don't watch the Premier League much but you are getting an amazing goalkeeper. He could be valued at €60m ($66m) in the near future."

Liverpool.com says: "Planning for the future is something Liverpool has done well over the years. Mamardashvili has been signed to replace Alisson, who still has quality years ahead of him between the sticks at Anfield.

"If anything, Mamardashvili's signing is low risk. If Alisson continues to be one of the world's best, driven by a quality back-up like Mamardashvili, then it is to Liverpool's gain.

"Additionally, at just 23, Mamardashvili's price tag is unlikely to drop in the event Alisson is so good that Liverpool look to keep the Brazilian as their number one. We're sure they won't want to sell Mamardashvili, but it does seem like the Reds have their bases covered here."