Giorgi Mamardashvili sends 'leave the team' warning to Alisson for Liverpool spot

Giorgi Mamardashvili has sent a stark warning to Alisson Becker ahead of his arrival at Liverpool next summer that he’ll be targeting the No.1 spot at Anfield.

The Georgia international is set to join the Reds in 2025 after Liverpool completed a deal with Valencia during the most recent transfer window. Mamardashvili will remain in Spain this season before completing his move to Merseyside ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

The goalkeeper’s signing has led to questions over how Arne Slot will juggle his options next season, with Alisson widely considered to be the best stopper in the world. The 32-year-old though has been hindered by more injury problems as he faces another lengthy spell out of the side.

• 5 things must happen for Liverpool and FSG before next international break
• Thomas Tuchel comments could spell bad news for Trent Alexander-Arnold with England

Alisson’s injury has led to reports Liverpool could look to bring Mamardashvili to Anfield early (via Fichajes ), although the Reds would have to agree a compensation deal with Valencia in January to do so, which seems unlikely given they have Caoimhin Kelleher and Vitezslav Jaros in reserve.

Mamardashvili was in action again for Georgia during the international break, although he couldn’t prevent his nation from falling to back-to-back defeats against Ukraine and Albania, with question marks over his goalkeeping in the former . Nevertheless, the 24-year-old has sent a clear message to Alisson after speaking out on his move to Liverpool.

“I was attracted to the Liverpool project when the club’s representatives met with me to sign me,” Mamardashvili said (via El Desmarque ).

“I will fight for the starting goalkeeper position, even if the current goalkeeper does not leave the team.”

Alisson was linked with a move to Saudi Arabia during the summer, although he played down suggestions he could join the likes of Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane in the Middle East, insisting he wants to see out his contract at Liverpool. The Brazilian’s deal is set to expire in 2026, although the Reds do have the option of an extra year.

Liverpool.com says: It will be interesting to see how Slot and Liverpool play this one next season. It seems likely Kelleher will finally get his wish to leave the club , leaving Alisson and Mamardashvili to fight it out for the No.1 spot.

Clearly, Mamardashvili is not going to be joining with thoughts of settling for a backup role. If Alisson stays though, and avoids more injuries, then the Brazilian surely has to get the nod.

Those injury problems are going to be the deciding factor in all this. The amount of time Alisson has spent out of the side over the past year or so is becoming a real concern, and Liverpool might have to make a tough decision if his absences continue.