"He likes the option of Liverpool very much" - Journalist says Reds target is keen on switch to the Premier League
Georgian journalist Lasha Kokiashvili has provided a major update on reported Liverpool target Giorgi Mamardashvili. It was initially reported by transfer guru Fabrizio Romano that the Reds were keen on the Georgia international goalkeeper.
Romano reported that Liverpool are seriously interested in the £26 million-rated keeper and loaning him out. The Italian journalist added that the Valencia keeper is keen on a move to Anfield even if it means he will be loaned out.
Now, Georgian reporter Lasha Kokiashvili has confirmed that Mamardashvili is keen on a move to the Premier League. He also insisted that the highly regarded keeper likes the idea of moving to Anfield. Kokiashvili posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“It is true that Mamardashvili really wants to play in the Premier League one day and he likes the option of Liverpool very much — the parties continue to talks.”
This has been a frustrating summer transfer window for Liverpool, with the club yet to sign a single player. Martin Zubimendi looked set to become the first signing of the Arne Slot era at Anfield but has snubbed a move to stay at his boyhood club Real Sociedad.
The Merseyside giants are not particularly short of options or quality between the sticks. They have one of the best keepers in the world in Alisson Becker and a top-class second-choice keeper in Caoimhin Kelleher.
The latter has been heavily linked with a move away in search of regular playing time while Alisson has also been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia. Someone like Mamardashvili could be a brilliant addition to the Reds as the long-term replacement for Alisson Becker.
Mamardashvili has made a name for himself at Valencia since moving to the La Liga side in 2021 from Dinamo Tbilisi. The 21-cap Georgia international has made 100 appearances for Los Ches having conceded 112 goals and kept 31 clean sheets.
Fabio Carvalho opens up following his switch to Brentford from Liverpool
Fabio Carvalho has opened up on his decision to join Brentford upon his switch from Liverpool. The attacking midfielder joined the Reds from Fulham in the summer of 2022 in a deal worth £7.7 million but failed to impress at Anfield.
Carvalho struggled to make much of an impact under Jurgen Klopp and spent the last season out on loan. While he struggled at RB Leipzig during the first half of the season, he showed signs of quality in the second half at Hull City.
The Portugal youth international has now joined Brentford this summer in a deal worth reported £27.4 million with add-ons. While reflecting on his decision to quit Liverpool, the 21-year-old said, as quoted by Brentford's official website:
"I spoke to the manager [Thomas Frank] and, from the first conversation that we had, I just knew I was going to come in and be excited about playing for the club, coming in every day and working with him.
"I just want to play football now and to do that in the best league in the world. As a player, you want to go somewhere where you’re wanted and somewhere where you’re loved - that's why I'm here. You want to be part of a family, part of a structure, and that's what Brentford is about. I'm just so happy to be here."
Carvalho made only 21 appearances during his time at Anfield, scoring thrice in the process. He scored nine goals and produced two assists in 20 appearances for Hull City last season.