Giorgi Mamardashvili may have to contend with a backup role at Liverpool for a second consecutive season.
The Georgian is seen by many as being the ideal heir to Alisson Becker, but has had to be patient as the Brazilian’s understudy this season.
Previous reports had suggested that this could change in 2026/27, with Alisson expected to leave Liverpool at the end of the season. However, as Fabrizio Romano claimed on Thursday, Alisson now looks set to stay until the end of his contract in 2027.
Will Xabi Alonso be Liverpool manager by the start of the 2026/27 season?
If no, where will he be instead?
Xabi Alonso pictured during Real Madrid's La Liga match against Real Betis at the Bernabeu (Credit: Getty Images/Alberto Gardin/NurPhoto).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Alberto Gardin/NurPhoto
Given Mamardashvili‘s hope of being Liverpool‘s long-term starting goalkeeper, this could obviously impact on whether or not he stays at Anfield next season. According to journalist David Lynch, however, it is likely to lead to renewed competition between the pair in 26/27.
Mamardashvili could ‘overhaul’ Alisson
Although he has generally been in good form this season, there have been some question marks over Alisson recently. That reared its head once again this week, with the 33-year-old ruled out of Tuesday’s trip to Galatasaray.
Mamardashvili came in and did well in Istanbul, and after confirming the likelihood of Alisson staying for one more season, Lynch claimed that this does not mean his younger colleague will leave.
“I don’t think Liverpool are going to be in a position where they force him [Alisson] out the door,” the journalist told Anfield Index.
Giorgi Mamardashvili on the ball during Liverpool's UEFA Champions League match against Galatasaray at RAMS Park.
Photo by Yagiz Gurtug/NurPhoto via Getty Images
MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
READ MORE: Alexis Mac Allister outlines future plans after rumours he could leave Liverpool
“Obviously it makes it a bit tricky with Mamardashvili, I guess he’d want to be there [number one] soon, but maybe they say ‘one more season’.
“Going into next season maybe it will be a direct competition where Mamardashvili will have a chance to overhaul him. I’d take Alisson’s camp’s word on that and I wouldn’t be surprised now if he does stick around.”
Analysis: No need for Mamardashvili to leave
The one man who may be disappointed to see Alisson stay at Liverpool for one more year would no doubt be Mamardashvili.
Nevertheless, there is no need for the Georgia international to throw the baby out with the bath water here.
Is it time for Liverpool to move on from Ibrahima Konate?
Would you be too disappointed to see him leave this summer?
Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool FC looks on after the match with Galatasaray
Credit: Burak Basturk/Middle East Images/AFP/Getty Images
Even if he does have to accept a backup position for a second season at Liverpool, he can still be the Reds’ starting goalkeeper for many years to come.
Still only 25, Mamardashvili will likely end up playing close to 20 times for Liverpool this season. As Caoimhin Kelleher learned during his final two years at Anfield, that could easily happen again next term.
While not ideal for a player wanting to start every game, that could still prove to be a perfect learning ground for Mamardashvili to then take over in 2027/28.
Coming into his mid to late twenties at that time, the former Valencia man could still end up as Liverpool’s number one for the best part of a decade if he plays his cards right. Or, as Lynch says, perhaps he could push Alisson all the way and take over his gloves even sooner.
From a Liverpool point of view, there is certainly no downside to having them both around for even longer, and that positivity should extend to both players, too.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox