'How good this guy is': Former Liverpool star says Arne Slot transfer decision should excite supporters
03/23/2025 02:00 PM
Arne Slot enjoyed a quiet first summer transfer window at Liverpool, yet things are expected to be very different this time around.
Three key players are set for free agency in Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk whilst Liverpool plan to bring in five new signings at a minimum for the upcoming season, with other big names such as Darwin Nunez linked with an exit from Anfield.
Another interesting storyline to keep an eye on will be that of Giorgi Mamardashvili, who will return to Liverpool this summer after being signed by the Anfield side last year and then shipped out on loan to Valencia for the year.
And former Liverpool goalkeeper Sander Westerveld has given supporters hope that Slot has made a good transfer decision.
Giorgi Mamardashvili set for big things at Liverpool after breakout year
Speaking to the Athletic, the Dutchman shared how impressed he was with Mamardashvili last year, with Liverpool snapping up the goalkeeper after a breakout year at Valencia and at Euro 2024 with Georgia.
Although Mamardashvili’s performances haven’t been great with Valencia in recent weeks, there’s still plenty of time for the 24-year-old to establish himself as the future starting keeper at Anfield, and Westerveld is keen to see what happens next season.
The former Liverpool goalkeeper and coach said when asked about Mamardashvili: "I was very surprised when Liverpool signed Mamardashvili. I follow Spanish football and I know how good this guy is.
“I said after the last Euros that he was the best goalkeeper in the Euros. This season he has been criticised a little, but I'm not worried. It's obviously for the No. 2 spot, as Alisson will be the No. 1.”
Liverpool should loan out Giorgi Mamardashvili next season
With Caoimhin Kelleher set to leave Liverpool at the end of this season, Mamardashvili becoming the second choice to Alisson Becker seems to make a lot of sense given how important cover is for the injury-prone Brazilian goalkeeper.
However, with Liverpool paying as much as they did to sign Mamardashvili, keeping the Georgia international on the bench for the season could be a gamble that backfires massively if Alisson goes the entire year without picking up any fitness issues.
As a result, Liverpool need to be smart and loan Mamardashvili out for a second season, with the goalkeeper too good to be sat on the bench for an entire campaign and putting his development on pause.
