Liverpool have just brought the Premier League title back to Anfield, capping off a thrilling 2024/2025 season by finishing ahead of Manchester City and Arsenal. While fans celebrate a long-awaited triumph, a new and intriguing tactical issue is emerging for the Reds: who will be the starting goalkeeper next season?
With the arrival of Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia—finalised in the spring for a reported fee of around €35 million—a fascinating battle for the number one shirt is on the horizon. On one side is Alisson Becker, a veteran and symbol of Liverpool’s rebirth, and on the other is a young, rising Georgian talent ready to stake his claim at one of the most prestigious clubs in the world.
Alisson’s season: still reliable, but with some doubts
Alisson completed the 2024/2025 Premier League season with 28 appearances, 10 clean sheets, and a save percentage of 72.5%. Solid numbers, albeit not his best, partly due to an injury that sidelined him for several weeks in the middle of the campaign. The Brazilian still delivered top performances, contributing to Liverpool’s strong defensive record and maintaining his status as a leader both on and off the pitch.
However, a few less-than-perfect performances—particularly against Tottenham and Brighton—have reignited debate over his long-term role, especially considering his age (he’ll turn 33 in October) and a contract set to expire in 2027. Interest from abroad is growing: Bayern Munich, for instance, are closely monitoring the situation.
Mamardashvili: the future is already here
Giorgi Mamardashvili, born in 2000, arrives at Anfield after an impressive season with Valencia. In 34 La Liga appearances, he kept 9 clean sheets and conceded 45 goals, with a save percentage of 65.4%. Despite playing in a mid-table side, he showed maturity, reliability, and excellent physical and technical traits. Standing at nearly 2 meters tall, the Georgian is a highly promising goalkeeper, and one that new head coach Arne Slot pushed to bring in—not as a backup, but as a true contender for the starting role.
Mamardashvili hasn’t come to sit on the bench. The size of the investment and the timing of the move clearly signal Liverpool’s intent to begin a gradual but decisive generational shift—starting with the goalkeeping department.
Alternation or full transition?
The most likely scenario is a competitive coexistence between the two keepers. Slot may opt for a rotation policy: Alisson starting in the Premier League and Champions League, with Mamardashvili getting the nod in domestic cups and lower-risk matches. This would allow the Georgian to adapt to the new environment while gradually building his status.
Another, more drastic scenario involves Alisson leaving the club. Though not currently on the table, should a substantial offer arrive—perhaps from the Bundesliga—Liverpool might consider letting go of their long-time No.1 to free up wages and accelerate the transition.
Liverpool: a title contender again
Regardless of who starts in goal, Liverpool will begin the next season among the favourites to win again. The new coaching staff has already shown the ability to refresh the squad without disrupting its core. With a dynamic midfield led by Szoboszlai, the continued excellence of Salah, and the emergence of other players, the Reds are poised for another strong campaign—domestically and in Europe.
Unsurprisingly, Liverpool are already seen as one of the frontrunners for next season’s Premier League title by analysts and betting platforms alike. In this regard, even sites like NetBet highlight the Reds’ rising stock and the tactical depth offered by having two elite goalkeepers battling for the starting spot—something that could prove decisive in a long, grueling season.
Main image credit: IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire