DONE DEAL imminent”- Fabrizio Romano confirms £34m Liverpool hijack for Newcastle United target, Deal on the verge of completion
Newcastle United were reportedly eyeing Giorgi Mamardashvili, one of the brightest breakout stars from Euro 2024, in a bid to strengthen their squad this summer. The 23-year-old Valencia goalkeeper turned heads with his stellar performances for the Georgian national team, quickly becoming one of the most talked-about young goalkeepers in Europe. As Newcastle looked to bolster their goalkeeping options, Mamardashvili emerged as a key target, but it now seems that Liverpool is on the verge of securing his signature.
Earlier in the transfer window, Newcastle United had been strongly linked with Mamardashvili, whose stock had risen considerably after his heroics at Euro 2024. The Georgian shot-stopper played a pivotal role for his country, delivering a series of standout performances that caught the attention of scouts across Europe. With Newcastle looking to provide stronger competition for their No.1 goalkeeper Nick Pope, Mamardashvili seemed like an ideal candidate. The Magpies also considered Burnley’s young goalkeeper, James Trafford, as another option, but ultimately decided to bolster their squad by signing two backup goalkeepers, John Ruddy and Odysseas Vlachodimos.
Despite these additions, questions remain about the depth and quality of Newcastle’s goalkeeping department. Nick Pope, who has been a reliable presence between the sticks, remains the club’s undisputed first-choice goalkeeper. However, last season, Martin Dubravka’s performances raised some concerns when he was given an extended run in the team, revealing vulnerabilities that had not been previously apparent. As a result, the need for a top-quality backup or even a potential challenger to Pope’s position became more pressing.
Mamardashvili’s impressive form at the European Championship did not go unnoticed, and his potential transfer to Newcastle appeared to be a genuine possibility, with reports suggesting that Valencia had set a price tag of around £34 million for their prized asset. Newcastle’s interest in the young goalkeeper reflected their ambitions to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level, not just domestically but also in European competitions. However, despite the Magpies’ efforts, Liverpool quickly emerged as the frontrunner in the race to sign Mamardashvili.
Liverpool’s pursuit of Mamardashvili has been a surprising development, given that they already have one of the world’s best goalkeepers in Alisson Becker. However, the Reds have shown a keen interest in securing the Georgian goalkeeper’s services, recognizing his immense potential and the value he could bring to the squad in the long term. Liverpool’s strategy in this transfer saga appears to be centered around allowing Mamardashvili to continue his development with regular first-team football, a move that would see him remain on loan at Valencia for at least one more season. This approach has reportedly been a key factor in convincing both the player and his current club to agree to the transfer.
Italian sports journalist Fabrizio Romano, known for his accurate and timely transfer updates, has provided further insight into the deal. Romano revealed on social media that the agreement between Liverpool and Valencia for Mamardashvili is almost complete, with only the final details concerning payment terms and the overall structure of the deal left to be finalized. The transfer fee is expected to be in the region of €35 million, and the deal will include a sell-on clause, ensuring Valencia benefits from any future transfer of the player.
For Liverpool, this potential acquisition represents a significant step in their summer transfer activity under new manager Arne Slot. The Dutchman, who took over the reins at Anfield earlier this year, is keen to put his stamp on the team and has been actively looking to strengthen key areas of the squad. However, Liverpool’s transfer business has been relatively quiet so far, with no major signings completed. The sales of Fabio Carvalho and Bobby Clark have provided the club with additional funds to invest in new players, and the potential signing of Mamardashvili would be a statement of intent from Slot as he looks to build a squad capable of challenging for top honors.
As Newcastle United continues their preparations for the upcoming season, the focus will likely remain on ensuring that the squad is adequately strengthened to compete across all competitions. While the signings of John Ruddy and Odysseas Vlachodimos have added depth to their goalkeeping options, the lack of serious competition for Nick Pope’s starting position could be a concern as the season progresses. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s proactive approach in the transfer market, particularly with the pursuit of Mamardashvili, underscores their determination to maintain their position as one of Europe’s elite clubs.
The conclusion of this transfer saga will be eagerly anticipated by fans and pundits alike, as the arrival of Mamardashvili at Anfield would not only bolster Liverpool’s goalkeeping ranks but also provide a glimpse into the club’s long-term planning and vision. For Newcastle, missing out on Mamardashvili may prompt further reflection on their transfer strategy and whether additional reinforcements are needed to achieve their lofty ambitions. As the transfer window edges closer to its deadline, both clubs will be keen to finalize their business and ensure they are fully equipped for the challenges ahead.
