Giorgi Mamardashvili is ready for his long-awaited Liverpool debut as the Reds face Southampton in the Carabao Cup third round on Tuesday night. The Georgian goalkeeper, who officially joined from Valencia this summer in a £25m deal, is expected to start with Alisson Becker given a rest.
The 24-year-old spent last season on loan at Valencia after his transfer was agreed in 2024, and while he has been an unused substitute in every competitive match so far this campaign, he impressed during pre-season under new manager Arne Slot.
Mamardashvili on “crazy” journey to Liverpool
The shot-stopper has been open about his excitement ahead of his first outing.
“When I was a child, it was like a dream to meet players like Alisson, Virgil [van Dijk] and Mo [Salah]. Now I’m with them and I’m so happy. There are a lot of quality players. I knew it before but what I saw is crazy, it’s really crazy.” — Giorgi Mamardashvili, Liverpool FC
Mamardashvili praised Alisson for helping him settle and improve in training, acknowledging the Brazilian remains Liverpool’s undisputed number one. He stressed his own readiness, saying: “It doesn’t matter if I play or not, I have to be ready. I work hard every day.”
Liverpool’s new-look goalkeeping department
The Reds refreshed their goalkeeping ranks significantly this summer. Caoimhin Kelleher, long Alisson’s deputy, secured a move to Brentford worth up to £18m to pursue regular football. Vitezslav Jaros also departed temporarily, joining Ajax on loan to reunite with John Heitinga.
In came Mamardashvili as Alisson’s new competition, alongside Freddie Woodman, signed on a free transfer from Preston, and 18-year-old Hungarian prospect Armin Pecsi from Puskas Akademia in a £1.5m deal.
Liverpool goalkeeper depth chart (2025/26)
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Alisson Becker | First-choice |
| Giorgi Mamardashvili | No. 2, set for debut vs Southampton |
| Freddie Woodman | Experienced back-up |
| Armin Pecsi | Academy/prospect |
source: Liverpool FC squad list – September 2025
Analyst verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William believes Liverpool’s succession planning is smart. “Mamardashvili is one of Europe’s most promising keepers. At 24, he has years to grow under Alisson’s guidance. Liverpool’s refresh in the goalkeeping department balances short-term cover with long-term development. Tonight’s debut will be a real test of his readiness.”
Key insights
- Mamardashvili expected to debut vs Southampton in Carabao Cup.
- Joined Liverpool in £25m deal after loan back to Valencia.
- Alisson remains first-choice, but has mentored the Georgian.
- Liverpool let Kelleher leave for Brentford; Jaros loaned to Ajax.
- Woodman and Pecsi complete refreshed goalkeeper group.
What’s next for Mamardashvili?
The Southampton clash provides the perfect stage for Mamardashvili to showcase his talent and reassure fans he is a capable deputy. With Liverpool competing on multiple fronts, cup matches will be crucial for his development and confidence.
Longer term, the Georgian’s ambition will be to establish himself as Liverpool’s future No. 1. For now, patience and professionalism remain key — qualities he has already shown in abundance.
👉 Do you think Giorgi Mamardashvili can eventually succeed Alisson as Liverpool’s long-term No. 1 goalkeeper?
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