Evening Standard
·1 July 2024
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·1 July 2024
Georgia goalkeeper responds to Bayern Munich links with clear message to prospective buyers
Giorgi Mamardashvili has issued a warning to potential buyers that he will not accept a summer transfer to sit on the bench.
The Georgia goalkeeper has been one of the standout performers at Euro 2024, leading his country to the knockout stages at their first-ever major tournament before Sunday night’s defeat to Spain.
Clubs were already interested in the Valencia player but Mamardashvili’s exploits have heightened speculation over his future and a move is tipped to cost around £35million.
Chelsea and Liverpool have been named in recent reports surrounding the 23-year-old along with Newcastle and Bayern Munich.
However, he insisted after Georgia’s Euros exit that acting as understudy to Manuel Neuer is not on his agenda for next season.
“Bayern still have the best goalkeeper in the world,” he told Sky Sports in Germany. “Therefore, it's currently not possible to move there.
“I would only go there if I'll play. If I don't play, then no.”
Liverpool have Alisson Becker, 31, under contract to 2027 and, while a long-term replacement such as Mamardashvili will eventually be a priority, they may have to settle on signing a back-up this summer if Caoimhin Kelleher departs.
New Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has Robert Sanchez and Djordje Petrovic available as potential custodians for the upcoming campaign along with returning Real Madrid loanee Kepa Arrizabalaga. That may not rule out a move for a new keeper however, should they find suitors for their current options.
Meanwhile, Newcastle have just completed the signing of Greek goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos to compete with Nick Pope and Martin Dubravka.