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Just as Liverpool fans thought it would be a relatively quiet end to the winter window (bar some youth players leaving on loan), it seems that idea has been blown wide open.
With the transfer deadline looming on Monday, February 2nd at 11pm GMT, any major business would be a surprise.
On the youngster front, Lewis Koumas is on the verge of completing his loan switch to Championship promotion-chasers Hull City, with the 20-year-old Welsh striker having already undergone a medical at the MKM Stadium. Hull manager Sergej Jakirovic confirmed his optimism about wrapping up the deal.
Meanwhile, Cardiff City have emerged as strong contenders to land left-back Calum Scanlon on loan before Monday’s deadline, with the League One leaders hoping to add defensive depth for their promotion push.
But once again, those are typical loan deals for youngsters that happen towards the end of transfer windows.
And that’s why an offer for back-up ‘keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili comes as a shock.
Santi Aouna of Foot Mercato has reported that Bestiktas have made a loan approach for Giorgi Mamardashvili, adding that the Turkish giants are willing to pay a substantial loan fee of €2 million:
“A loan offer has been submitted to Liverpool for Giorgi Mamardashvili: €2 million for 6 months, with an option to extend the loan.”
The Georgian is clearly Arne Slot’s No.2, having made five Premier League outings during Alisson Becker’s brief injury absences earlier on in the campaign.
It seems borderline impossible that the Anfield club will sanction his exit so close to Monday’s deadline.
In theory, Liverpool could explore recalling third-choice goalkeeper Vitezslav Jaros from his season-long loan at Ajax to provide emergency cover if Mamardashvili did depart. The 24-year-old Czech shot-stopper signed a new long-term contract before joining the Dutch giants last summer.
However, recalling him mid-season would disrupt his development at Ajax, where he’s benefiting from Champions League football and regular Eredivisie action. More importantly, it would represent a significant downgrade from Mamardashvili’s quality and experience as Alisson’s deputy.
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