Galatasaray are tasked with replacing long-serving goalkeeper Fernando Muslera and had hoped to tempt Alisson from Liverpool.
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Galatasaray want Muslera replacementEnquiry made over AlissonLiverpool star keen to stayFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
According to , Galatasaray made a "concrete enquiry" earlier in the summer about signing Alisson from Liverpool. But the Brazilian turned down the opportunity to leave. That means Galatasaray – without Muslera next season for the first time in 14 years – are still "actively searching for a top goalkeeper".
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Caoimhin Kelleher has given up the battle and joined Brentford, but Alisson faces fresh competition for his place this season. Giorgi Mamardashvilli, Georgia’s Euro 2024 hero, will finally link up with the Reds in pre-season after his transfer from Valencia included staying in Spain for an extra year. The Brazilian, while by no means old for a goalkeeper, will also turn 33 in October. But he has two more seasons left on his Liverpool contract.
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Mamardashvili has already vowed to do everything he can once he arrives: "I'll go to Liverpool and give my all, just like I did at Valencia. I'll work hard every single day, training with Alisson will help me."
AFPWHAT NEXT?
The initial expectation is that Mamardashvili, while ultimately positioned as the long-term successor to Alisson, will replace Kelleher as the understudy rather than compete for the No.1 spot. But pre-season, which begins for Liverpool from the week commencing July 7, should provide more insight.