Major Liverpool star faces make-or-break season as rivals watch

A top source on all things Liverpool has insisted a Major Liverpool star is in a make-or‑break season, and the club’s recent transfer activity signals a shift in plan. Manager Andoni Iraola oversaw the £29 million signing of Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia in 2024.

Mamardashvili joined his new teammates at Anfield a year later in 2025 and was earmarked as Alisson Becker’s eventual successor. Throughout the 2025/26 campaign he remained second‑choice but featured far more than expected because of Alisson’s persistent hamstring problems. His increased exposure gave him valuable Premier League experience despite the steep learning curve.

Why Liverpool targeted Mamardashvili

The Reds viewed the Georgian as a long‑term investment and a cornerstone of their succession planning. A club reporter noted that buying Mamardashvili was intended to secure a smooth transition once Alisson, who arrived in 2018, eventually departs. The £29 million outlay reflected the high standards set by the former Roma goalkeeper.

Despite under‑performing at times, Mamardashvili produced a spectacular display in Liverpool’s League Cup victory over Tottenham on Tuesday night, denying Omar Marmoush with a reflex save. The Athletic’s James Pearce hailed the performance, saying the saves underlined the Georgian’s talent while acknowledging he still has much to prove.

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A season of scrutiny for the Georgian

Pearce repeatedly described the campaign as a make‑or‑break season for the 25‑year‑old. He wrote on X that Mamardashvili clocked up 20 appearances in all competitions after a difficult first year, calling it a baptism of fire in a misfiring side under Arne Slot. The analyst added that the goalkeeper was often left exposed and appeared nervy with the ball at his feet, at times spreading uncertainty.

Liverpool’s £30 million acquisition of 18‑year‑old Belgian Lucca Brughmans, who remains on loan at Genk, hints the club harbours doubts about Mamardashvili becoming the long‑term No 1. The deal, announced last month, positions Brughmans as a potential heir should Alisson’s contract, due to expire next summer, not be renewed.

Future of the goalkeeping hierarchy

Alisson Becker, who turns 34 next month, is expected to decide on an extension soon. If he remains fit, losing the veteran would be deemed foolish, yet Mamardashvili is unlikely to accept another season as backup. The arrival of Brughmans next summer adds further uncertainty to the hierarchy at Anfield.

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The same report also referenced Rio Ngumoha’s move to Arsenal after a Liverpool contract agreement, underscoring the club’s active transfer window. All signs point to LIVERPOOL reshaping its squad while the fate of its major goalkeeper remains undecided.