Liverpool could be set for another late twist in the transfer window, with the Reds reportedly exploring goalkeeper options before the deadline.
According to Wilson Cox LFC, Liverpool have made official contact with Genk goalkeeper Lucca Brughmans, while Nottingham Forest have also made an enquiry about Liverpool’s Giorgi Mamardashvili.
It certainly raises questions about what Liverpool’s plans are for their goalkeeping department.
But at this stage, I think it’s important not to get carried away.
Liverpool are exploring their options. That doesn’t necessarily mean Mamardashvili is leaving.
Forest enquire about Mamardashvili
Nottingham Forest’s interest is particularly interesting.
Mamardashvili only joined Liverpool after making the move from Valencia, having already established himself as one of the most highly regarded goalkeepers in European football.
The Georgian international was brought in to provide competition and succession planning behind Alisson.
However, with Alisson still Liverpool’s undisputed No.1, Mamardashvili’s opportunities were always going to be limited.
I had previously reported that Liverpool were open to offers for the goalkeeper, so the fact Forest have now made an enquiry isn’t completely out of the blue.
The question is whether that enquiry develops into anything more.
Liverpool make contact for Brughmans
At the same time, Liverpool appear to be looking at a potential replacement.
Fabrizio Romano has reported that Liverpool have made official contact with Lucca Brughmans of Genk.
That would certainly suggest that the Reds are actively exploring the goalkeeper market.
And that’s where this story becomes particularly intriguing.
If Liverpool were completely satisfied with their current goalkeeping options, why would they suddenly be making contact with another goalkeeper so late in the window?
There could be several reasons.
Liverpool might be preparing for a potential Mamardashvili departure.
They could simply be looking at an opportunity in the market.
Or they could be planning for the longer term.
Don’t assume Mamardashvili is leaving
This is where I would urge Liverpool supporters to wait before jumping to conclusions.
An enquiry isn’t a bid.
And a contact with another goalkeeper isn’t confirmation that Mamardashvili is being sold.
Transfer windows are full of clubs exploring possibilities.
Liverpool may simply be doing their homework.
With the deadline approaching, it makes sense for Richard Hughes and the recruitment team to know what options are available.
Especially if another club suddenly makes a serious offer for one of Liverpool’s players.
What would a Mamardashvili exit mean?
If Mamardashvili did leave, Liverpool would need to think carefully about the decision.
He’s still only 25 and has enormous potential.
He’s also already proven himself at international level and during his time in La Liga.
But there’s an obvious problem.
How much football is he realistically going to get while Alisson is fit?
That’s the difficult question.
Liverpool need a quality second goalkeeper, but Mamardashvili is also at an age where regular football becomes increasingly important.
If Forest can offer him the opportunity to play regularly, it could potentially be attractive to the player.
Could Brughmans be the answer?
Brughmans is a much less established name than Mamardashvili.
That’s why I wouldn’t necessarily look at this as a straight replacement at this stage.
Liverpool could potentially be looking for a younger goalkeeper who can develop within the squad.
And if Mamardashvili does leave, the club could decide that Alisson remains the clear first choice while they develop another goalkeeper behind him.
It’s also worth remembering that Liverpool have Vítězslav Jaroš among their goalkeeping options.
So there are several possibilities.
Another deadline-day story?
What makes this interesting is the timing.
Liverpool have already been extremely busy this summer.
And now, with the transfer window approaching its conclusion, we’re suddenly hearing that the club are exploring another position.
That’s exactly why I wouldn’t be surprised if there are more twists to come.
Liverpool may make a move.
Mamardashvili may stay.
Brughmans may simply remain a player they have looked at.
Or something completely unexpected could happen.
That’s football’s transfer window for you.
My verdict
For now, I’m sitting firmly on the fence.
Liverpool are exploring late goalkeeper options.
Forest have made an enquiry about Mamardashvili.
Liverpool have made official contact with Brughmans.
And that is certainly enough to make this one worth watching.
But until we hear that Forest have made a formal offer, or Liverpool have decided to sell Mamardashvili, I wouldn’t assume that his Liverpool career is coming to an end.
I’ve said previously that Liverpool were open to offers for him, so perhaps this is the beginning of something.
Or perhaps it’s simply Liverpool doing their due diligence on the market.
Let’s see what happens.
Because if Liverpool really are looking for a new goalkeeper this late in the window, there could be another surprise waiting before the deadline.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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