Mamardashvili faces PSG test in Liverpool's goalkeeping shift
Source: thetimes.com
TL;DR
- Liverpool view Giorgi Mamardashvili as the long-term successor to Alisson Becker in goal.
- The Georgian faces PSG in the Champions League, his biggest test yet at Anfield.[[1]](https://www.thetimes.com/sport/football/article/giorgi-mamardashvili-liverpool-transition-end-era-looms-kbdm29czm)
- He symbolises the club's shift from ageing stars like Alisson to a new generation.[[1]](https://www.thetimes.com/sport/football/article/giorgi-mamardashvili-liverpool-transition-end-era-looms-kbdm29czm)
The story at a glance
The Times piece frames Giorgi Mamardashvili, Liverpool's Georgia goalkeeper, as the figurehead for the club's generational handover, earmarked to succeed Alisson Becker. It highlights his upcoming Champions League clash with PSG as a pivotal moment in his early Anfield spell. This comes amid ongoing transition under manager Arne Slot post-Klopp, with Alisson's contract recently extended to 2027.[[1]](https://www.thetimes.com/sport/football/article/giorgi-mamardashvili-liverpool-transition-end-era-looms-kbdm29czm)[[2]](https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/liverpool/transfer-talk/news/frustration-grows-for-liverpool-backup-as-reds-receive-multiple-enquiries_593962.html)
Key points
- Mamardashvili joined from Valencia for around £29m in 2024 but stayed on loan there until summer 2025.[[3]](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/13203708/giorgi-mamardashvili-liverpool-sign-goalkeeper-from-valencia-in-arne-slots-first-deal-but-he-will-arrive-next-summer)
- He serves as backup to Alisson, playing mainly during the Brazilian's injuries (about 11-13 games this season).[[4]](https://www.liverpool.com/all-about/giorgi-mamardashvili)[[5]](https://www.liverpool.com/liverpool-fc-news/features/brad-friedel-giorgi-mamardashvili-alisson-33699391)
- Liverpool triggered Alisson's one-year extension, keeping him until 2027 at age 34.[[2]](https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/liverpool/transfer-talk/news/frustration-grows-for-liverpool-backup-as-reds-receive-multiple-enquiries_593962.html)
- At 25, Mamardashvili is seen as the future No 1, though some question if he fully matches Alisson's level.[[5]](https://www.liverpool.com/liverpool-fc-news/features/brad-friedel-giorgi-mamardashvili-alisson-33699391)
- Reports note his frustration with limited starts, prompting enquiries from other clubs.[[6]](https://www.teamtalk.com/liverpool/giorgi-mamardashvili-exit-contact-made-alisson-decision-sources)
Details and context
Mamardashvili impressed at Euro 2024 with Georgia, helping them reach the last 16, which drew Liverpool's interest as part of long-term planning like their past squad builds.[[7]](https://www.thetimes.com/sport/football/article/liverpool-transfer-news-mamardashvili-gvg36dlqd) Alisson, signed for £65m in 2018, remains elite but faces injury issues and turns 34 soon, prompting succession talks.[[7]](https://www.thetimes.com/sport/football/article/liverpool-transfer-news-mamardashvili-gvg36dlqd)
The club sold Caoimhin Kelleher to Brentford for £18m, leaving Mamardashvili as clear deputy.[[8]](https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/46615423/liverpool-giorgi-mamardashvili-alisson-georgia-premier-league-arne-slot-goalkeeper) Under Slot, rotation has been limited; Alisson starts when fit, even in cups.[[9]](https://www.thisisanfield.com/2026/02/mamardashvili-fa-cup-snub-slot-alisson-rotation-change)
Key quotes
"Georgia goalkeeper, who has been earmarked to replace Alisson as torch passes from ageing greats, faces biggest game of early Anfield career against PSG on Wednesday." – Lead, The Times[[1]](https://www.thetimes.com/sport/football/article/giorgi-mamardashvili-liverpool-transition-end-era-looms-kbdm29czm)
"My time will come for sure. Maybe not this year, but my time will come." – Giorgi Mamardashvili[[10]](https://www.thisisanfield.com/2026/03/giorgi-mamardashvili-alisson-goalkeeper-battle)
Why it matters
Liverpool's push beyond the Klopp era relies on smooth handovers like this in goal, where reliability under pressure defines title challenges. Fans and managers get a test of the next core, but limited minutes risk stunting Mamardashvili's growth or forcing a sale. Watch his PSG performance and Alisson's injury recovery; a strong run could cement the transition, though loan rumours persist if he stays sidelined.[[1]](https://www.thetimes.com/sport/football/article/giorgi-mamardashvili-liverpool-transition-end-era-looms-kbdm29czm)