Liverpool ironing out FINAL details for first signing of the Arne Slot era | OneFootball

Liverpool look to finally be closing in on their first signing of the summer — but there's a catch. The player won't be seen at Anfield until at least June 2025.

According to various reports coming out of Spain, a deal for Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili is now nearing a conclusion.

After several weeks of intense negotiations, it appears that Liverpool are close to agreeing a deal that would see the 22-year-old move to Merseyside next summer at the earliest.

Add-ons and variables

According to Relevo, Valencia and Liverpool have reportedly agreed on a fixed transfer fee of over €30 million, with ongoing discussions focused on the structure of add-ons and potential variables.

Talks are still under way regarding performance-related bonuses and conditions under which certain add-ons would be waived if the goalkeeper remains at Valencia longer than expected.

As it stands, the current agreement stipulates that Mamardashvili will remain with Valencia on loan for at least one more season, allowing him to continue as their first-choice goalkeeper while Liverpool have his long-term future secured.

This arrangement aligns with the goalkeeper's desire to continue his development in La Liga while also preparing for a future move to the Premier League, where he could eventually succeed Liverpool’s current number one, Alisson Becker, whose contract runs until 2027.

Peter Lim playing hard ball

Progress comes after weeks of negotiations for the Georgian. As reported by AS, Peter Lim, the club's principal shareholder, recently rejected an increased offer from Liverpool, making it clear that the club wouldn't consider any bids below €40 million.

That's because Mamardashvili, who has seen his market value soar following an impressive performance in the recent UEFA European Championship, has been one of the most sought-after players in Europe this summer.

Additionally, Valencia, were in no rush to sell. The club had already bolstered their goalkeeping options with the signing of Stole Dimitrievski earlier this summer.

Now, despite strong interest from major clubs across the continent, including a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia, Lim seems to have got his wish.

Instead of a mooted move to Bournemouth, which wasn't allowed under Premier League rules, the 22-year-old will remain with Valencia, where he has been the first-choice goalkeeper for the past two seasons, and the fee is closer to the valuation he set.

ESP: Valencia CF v Real Madrid - La Liga EA Sports VALENCIA, SPAIN - MARCH 2: Giorgi Mamardashvili of Valencia CF during the match between Valencia CF and Real Madrid of La Liga EA Sports on March 2, 2024 at Mestlla Stadium in Valencia, Spain. Photo by Samuel Carreno Copyright: xSamuelxCarrenox SAM_8565A

Likewise, this comes as good news for Valencia coach Rubén Baraja, who had expressed confidence that Mamardashvili would remain the club’s starting goalkeeper.

"He played the full 90 minutes against Barcelona on Saturday and, barring any unexpected developments, will continue in goal against Celta Vigo this Friday," he said.

Liverpool have a chance to UPGRADE on Joe Gomez for £25m and they should take it 1 hour ago by Alex Caple

Quansah or Konate: Who should Slot play vs. Brentford after much-discussed substitution? 4 hours ago by Henry Jackson

Gary Neville EXPLAINS the one thing he REALLY admires about Arne Slot's Liverpool 9 hours ago by Tom Barnes