Pep Guardiola identifies 23-year-old La Liga goalkeeper as replacement for Ederson at Manchester City: Reports
According to Catalan outlet El Nacional, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has identified Valencia's Giorgi Mamardashvili as a potential replacement for Ederson. The Brazilian shot-stopper has been linked with an exit with Saudi Pro League clubs interested.
Ederson has been a crucial cog in the successful City team under Guardiola. While Stefan Ortega is present, City might need another goalkeeper and have reportedly identified Mamardashvili as a target.
He has been a notable performer for Valencia in recent seasons. The shot-stopper also caught the eyeballs of fans with his extraordinary performances during Georgia's historic Euro 2024 campaign, making 30 saves. The 23-year-old has so far made 100 appearances for the La Liga club, keeping 31 clean sheets.
Manchester City understand that they might need to shell out £40 million to convince Valencia to sell Mamardashvili. The La Liga side are historically known for not being a difficult side to do business with.
Mamardashvili would also be open to a move if an offer comes from a club of City's stature. Replacing Ederson won't be easy considering the impact he had on Pep Guardiola's system. He's kept 155 clean sheets in 332 games for Manchester City since arriving from Benfica in 2017.
Mamardashvili, though, is one of the most talented European goalkeepers at the moment.
Pep Guardiola delighted to see former Manchester City assistant Enzo Maresca's growth
New Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca worked in Manchester City's coaching facilities under Pep Guardiola. He then had a brief stint in Parma and has since taken charge of Leicester City and now Chelsea.
Guardiola is delighted to see the opportunities Maresca is getting the Spaniard wished the new Blues off well for his new job. He told the media (via City's official website):
"He did a really good job at Leicester. I wish him all the best because he deserves it. As a manager to have success, the most important thing is you must believe in something deeply and no matter what the results, stick with the idea."
Guardiola added that he believes Maresca will be successful. Whether the Spaniard is unsure how long it would take, he has no doubt that eventually it will happen.
They will face off in a pre-season friendly on August 3 and also clash in their Premier League opener on August 18.