Journalist: Liverpool Set to Beat Barcelona and Real Madrid to Georgian Wonderkid | OneFootball

Liverpool Target Left-Back with Barcelona and Real Madrid Lurking

Liverpool are once again making moves in the transfer market, setting their sights on a left-back who has attracted the attention of European powerhouses Barcelona and Real Madrid. As reported by Bence Bocsak of Anfield Watch, the Reds are monitoring Saba Kharebashvili, a highly-rated 16-year-old currently playing for Dinamo Tbilisi.

Liverpool’s Left-Back Search Gains Momentum

With Andy Robertson’s future as Liverpool’s first-choice left-back seemingly in doubt, the club is actively looking at options to strengthen this position. “Liverpool are looking to build ahead for the future and that is why the club are exploring moves for another exciting young left-back.”

The Reds’ shortlist includes familiar names such as Milos Kerkez, who was linked with the club last November, and Lewis Hall from Newcastle, viewed by Liverpool scouts as an ideal long-term replacement for Robertson. However, another name has emerged – a young Georgian defender who is already making history.

Photo: IMAGO

Who is Saba Kharebashvili?

“One player who is more of a signing for the future but who has attracted the attention of Liverpool is Georgian wonderkid Saba Kharebashvili.” The 16-year-old left-back has been turning heads with his performances for Dinamo Tbilisi. Last summer, he made history by becoming the youngest player ever to feature in a UEFA club competition, making his debut at just 15 years old.

Since then, he has cemented his place as the first-choice left-back for the Georgian club, a remarkable achievement for a player of his age. Anfield Watch reports that Liverpool’s scouts have been closely monitoring Kharebashvili and have already started gathering further information about him.

Liverpool’s strong relationship with Dinamo Tbilisi, thanks to previous interest in Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and last summer’s signing of Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia, could give them an advantage in securing the young left-back’s signature.

Transfer Timing and FIFA Regulations

Liverpool’s interest is firm, but there are hurdles to overcome. Due to FIFA regulations, Kharebashvili will only be able to officially join Liverpool when he turns 18 in September 2026. This means that even if Liverpool reach an agreement with Dinamo Tbilisi now, they will have to wait two years before he can play for the club.

Liverpool would not be the first club to strike such a deal. Newcastle recently secured a similar agreement for Kharebashvili’s teammate, Vakhtang Salia, demonstrating how Premier League clubs are willing to make long-term investments in young talent from emerging football markets.

Photo: IMAGO

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

While Liverpool’s proactive approach to youth recruitment is commendable, this potential move raises several questions. Investing in a 16-year-old is one thing, but does Kharebashvili genuinely fit into Liverpool’s immediate needs?

Andy Robertson, whilst clearly on the decline, remains an elite left-back with vast experience in the Premier League and Champions League. Replacing him with a teenager who has never played outside of Georgia’s domestic league seems highly unlikely. If Liverpool are truly looking for a long-term successor to Robertson, Milos Kerkez or Lewis Hall appear to be far more realistic and proven options.

Furthermore, Kharebashvili may be highly rated, but the transition from Dinamo Tbilisi to a club like Liverpool is enormous. The physicality, speed, and tactical demands of the Premier League are unmatched. While players like Kvaratskhelia have thrived after moving from Georgia’s league to Europe’s top divisions, there is no guarantee that Kharebashvili will follow the same trajectory.

Liverpool fans may also question whether the club should be prioritising a left-back at all. With midfield reinforcements still needed and depth issues in attack, spending resources on a player who won’t be available until 2026 could be seen as an unnecessary gamble.

Ultimately, while Kharebashvili is an exciting young talent, Liverpool’s focus should remain on securing proven players who can contribute immediately. Investing in the future is crucial, but so is ensuring the team remains competitive in the present.