Liverpool are closing in on their first signing of the Arne Slot era after stepping up talks with Valencia for goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, a source has told ESPN.
Valencia and Liverpool are negotiating a fee of around 40 million euros ($44 million) for the 1.98m tall Georgian international, but while a deal has yet to be finalised, a source has told ESPN that negotiations are progressing towards a successful conclusion.
However, the 23-year-old, who helped Georgia reach the last 16 in their first appearance at a major tournament during Euro 2024, will remain in Spain, on loan at La Liga side Valencia, until the end of the 2024-25 season before moving to Anfield next summer.
Brazil international Alisson Becker and Republic of Ireland No.1 Caoimhín Kelleher remain Liverpool's first-choice goalkeepers, but Mamardashvili's move is seen as planning for the future when either Alisson or Kelleher leave the club.
Following the resignation of Jürgen Klopp as Liverpool manager at the end of last season after almost nine years in charge, new coach Slot has yet to strengthen the team he inherited since joining from Feyenoord.
A move for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi failed to materialise with the Spain international opting to stay at the La Liga side, while interest in Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon failed to progress earlier this summer.
Slot has said he is happy with the strength of his current squad, but a deal with Mamardashvili would mark the first major signing during his time in charge.
