World-class star is now READY to join Liverpool

Richard Hughes pulled off a genius transfer last year and hardly anyone noticed.

Last summer, everyone was focusing on the players the Liverpool sporting director didn't sign. But very few people actually looked at the one deal Hughes completed.

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No, it's not just Federico Chiesa. But Giorgi Mamardashvili as well. Liverpool signed the Georgian goalkeeper for £29m and it's gone really under the radar.

It's largely due to the fact that Mamardashvili opted to stay at Valencia for one more year, which has meant he's been away from the spotlight, continuing to play in Spain rather than in the Premier League.

But also, he's now had as much attention on him because of Alisson's performances for Liverpool this season. The Brazilian is by far and away one of the best goalkeepers in the world, some of his performances have proved that - most notably against Paris Saint Germain in the Champions League.

So, with Alisson likely staying at Anfield this summer, there's no need to bring in another goalkeeper.

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For these reasons, people have forgotten about Mamardashvili. But make no mistake, he's also one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

The Georgian shot-stopper is world-class and over the course of the last few months, he's demonstrated this time and time again.

From saving a crucial penalty against Real Madrid to a heroic performance against Barcelona.

Even while playing for a really poor Valencia side, Mamardashvili was still able to keep eight clean sheets, only four other goalkeepers in La Liga kept more clean sheets than him.

At Euro 2024, Mamardashvili had already demonstrated why he can win games single-handedly. He was Georgia's most important player during a historic run in the competition.

Now there's an expectation that he will return to Liverpool and join the first team this summer for pre-season. But beyond that, many Liverpool fans want him to be loaned out again.

However, Liverpool don't need to do that. Mamardashvili is ready to play a role for the first team right now.

He's good enough to be a second-choice and even challenge Alisson for the no.1 spot. Given the Brazilian picks up a fair few injuries and Caoimhin Kelleher and Vitezslav Jaros are both expected to depart, Mamardashvili could be staying put.

It would make a lot more sense than to send him out on loan again. He'd get to stay at the club, settle in the dressing room and learn from Alisson.

Liverpool could also work on some of the weaknesses in his game first-hand, while moulding the undeniable world-class qualities that he already possesses.

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Look, last year Mamardashvili clearly wasn't quite ready to join Liverpool's first team. But now, he's absolutely prepared for the next step in his career.