Liverpool set to complete huge summer signing with deal 'close' to being agreed

 

Arne Slot looks set to complete his first signing.

Liverpool look set to complete their first signing under new manager Arne Slot, as a deal with one of their top targets is reportedly in the final stages.

The Merseyside club has been quiet in the 2024/25 transfer window, as they remain the only Premier League team yet to sign a player this summer.

While Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi looked almost certain to join Liverpool earlier in the summer, the deal fell through in the closing stages as the Spaniard opted to remain with his boyhood club.

But now it appears that they are on the verge of finally completing the first deal of the Arne Slot era, with negotiations for one of their top targets reportedly advancing to the final stages.

Reports from sports journalist Hector Gomez claim that Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili is very close to joining Liverpool this summer, but will spend the current season with his the La Liga club on loan, who will cover his wages.

The loan could be extended further depending on the situation with current Liverpool keeper Alisson who is currently under contract until June 2027.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano gave further details on the deal, saying that the fee for the player will be over €30m including add-ons.

Previous reports had suggested that if Mamardashvili were to join Liverpool then he would be loaned out to fellow Premier League side Bournemouth.

However, after playing in Valencia’s season opener against Barcelona their home stadium, the Georgian keeper has changed his mind and would prefer a loan back to the La Liga side to one within the Premier League.

 

Giorgi Mamardashvili played in Valencia's La Liga opener against Barcelona last weekend, losing the match 2-1. (Image: Getty)
Giorgi Mamardashvili played in Valencia’s La Liga opener against Barcelona last weekend, losing the match 2-1. (Image: Getty)

The 23-year-old has attracted attention from several clubs after impressing during Georgia’s unlikely run to the round of 16 at the 2024 European Championship in Germany.

One of the clubs reportedly looking to secure Mamardashvili’s signature was Chelsea, who have been incredibly active in the summer transfer window.

As reported by Anfield Watch, Mamardashvili rejected the move earlier in the window.

The report stated: “Chelsea moved swiftly in an attempt to make him the latest goalkeeper to move to Stamford Bridge.

“The 23-year-old wasn’t swayed by the money on offer or convinced of the Chelsea project. He rejected their advances.”