I don't understand it as he's not the type they want

I was surprised by Liverpool transfer - I don't understand it as he's not the type they want

Former Premier League goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer isn't convinced by Liverpool's signing of Valencia shot-stopper Giorgi Mamardashvili

Georgia's goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili looks on during the UEFA Nations League football match between Georgia and Ukraine in Batumi (Image: GIORGI ARJEVANIDZE/AFP via Getty Images )

Former Premier League goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer has shared his bemusement at Liverpool’s signing of Valencia shot-stopper Giorgi Mamardashvili. The Reds agreed a £25m deal with the La Liga outfit back in August, though the Georgia international won’t move to Anfield until next summer.

It remains to be seen how Liverpool’s goalkeeping pecking order will look following the Georgian’s arrival, with Alisson Becker currently the undisputed number one at Anfield.

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Republic of Ireland international Caoimhin Kelleher is the Brazilian’s current deputy, though has been open about his desire to move on to become a number one elsewhere.

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While the 25-year-old is currently shining during another extended stint between the sticks in the absence of the injured Alisson, having seen the Reds’ block his wish to move on last summer, head coach Arne Slot has already confirmed that Kelleher will drop back to the bench as soon as Liverpool’s number one is back fit.

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Meanwhile, the Reds also boast Czechia international Vitezslav Jaros as their current third-choice goalkeeper following a successful half-season on loan at Sturm Graz and the departure of veteran Adrian at Anfield.

With Mamardashvili linking up with his new team-mates next summer, it would be a surprise if Liverpool retained the services of all four goalkeepers.

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But with their three current shot-stoppers all strong playing out from the back, Schwarzer has pointed out such a trait is not actually one of Mamardashvili’s strengths.

Consequently, while the former Australia international, who was a member of the Chelsea and Leicester City squads that won the Premier League, was impressed by the Georgian during Euro 2024, he has admitted he does not understand why Liverpool chose to sign the goalkeeper in the first place.

“The thing about that is, and we talked about it at the Euros as well, his strong point isn’t playing with the ball at his feet, Mamardashvili,” Schwarzer said on the Optus Sport Football Podcast. “He’s okay, but he is not the goalkeeper.

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Mark Schwarzer reporting for Optus Sport during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Bromwich Albion at Molineux (Image: Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images )

“That’s why I was a little bit surprised by Liverpool signing him. Not in terms of, I think he is a top-class goalkeeper, I loved him at the Euros, I thought he was brilliant.

“I just don’t know whether he is the type of goalkeeper that Liverpool would want. I don’t understand it because I don’t think he is the blueprint of goalkeeper that they would have, like Alisson or even Kelleher with the ball at his feet, because they are very, very good.”

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Mamardashvili has made 16 appearances for Valencia and Georgia so far this season, keeping two clean sheets. However, despite his efforts, the La Liga outfit are struggling at the bottom of the table. Winning just one match to date, they currently sit bottom in 20th -though boast two games in hand on the sides above them.

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