How Liverpool Can Sign Giorgi Mamardashvili Without Breaking Premier League Rules
Liverpool had initially planned to sign Giorgi Mamardashvili, but Premier League rules posed a complication. Nevertheless, there is an alternative method for acquiring the Valencia goalkeeper.
Liverpool are known for their enigmatic approach in the transfer market. Despite widespread consensus among fans and pundits that the team requires a defensive midfielder, and failing to secure their top target, the club is now focusing on completing a deal for the highly regarded goalkeeper.
This situation may frustrate transfer-enthusiastic supporters, but it’s important to recognise that the two positions—defensive midfielder and goalkeeper—are distinct.
Liverpool face multiple challenges beyond the setback with Martin Zubimendi, though the need for a new goalkeeper is not as pressing.
The speculation linking Liverpool with Valencia’s Giorgi Mamardashvili persists. According to The Athletic, discussions between Liverpool and the La Liga club have brought the deal closer, but the original plan could not be executed due to Premier League rules.
Liverpool had contemplated loaning Mamardashvili to Bournemouth for the 2024/25 season, given Alisson Becker’s established role as the Reds’ No.1.
However, Premier League rules prohibit a club from signing a player and then immediately loaning him to a rival in the league.
Consequently, Liverpool will need to devise a creative solution if they are intent on securing Mamardashvili this summer. One possible approach would be to finalise the transfer with the condition that the player joins Liverpool in 12 months.
Liverpool have employed similar strategies before. For instance, Divock Origi remained with Lille for an additional season before officially joining Liverpool, and Naby Keïta followed a similar path with RB Leipzig three years later.
Similar to the players who achieved significant success with the Reds, Mamardashvili might remain with his current club for an additional season even if a transfer agreement is reached. This scenario seems probable at the moment, although an alternative option is also on the table.
The Georgian goalkeeper could potentially agree to join Liverpool next summer, but spend the current season on loan at Bournemouth from Valencia, rather than moving directly to the Reds.
This approach would not violate any Premier League rules. For the 2024/25 season, the result would be the same, and it would benefit all three clubs involved, as well as the player. Few teams are as adept at maneuvering through transfer windows as Liverpool, and this could be their next strategic move.
It is clear why Liverpool are eager to sign Mamardashvili this summer, even if he might not immediately strengthen Arne Slot’s squad.
Goalkeepers of his caliber are a rare find, making it worthwhile to navigate Premier League regulations to secure the deal.
In other Liverpool news, Liverpool Could Land “Immense” £38m Titan for Arne Slot, He’d Be Better Than Branthwaite
