Ah, the tales from Anfield grow ever more intriguing as Liverpool, standing alone in the Premier League without fresh faces to brighten the locker room, are looking to make a swift move before the summer’s trading window clangs shut.
Just last week, word had it that Liverpool’s eyes were set keenly on Martin Zubimendi, the midfield maestro from Real Sociedad. But, alas, on a Monday night filled with whispers and shadows, it came to light that the young lad had no yearning for the Merseyside air, turning down the move to Anfield.
Not ones to dwell on misfortune, the Reds are now said to be courting Giorgi Mamardashvili, a Georgian goalkeeper whose hands have guarded Valencia’s net. The chatter around the turf is that Liverpool, with the precision of a well-aimed dart, have lobbed an offer north of €30 million Valencia’s way.
Fabrizio Romano, a scribe with his ear close to the ground, tells us that Liverpool are seriously pondering the notion of bringing Mamardashvili into the fold, only to send him out on loan for a spell. No ink has dried on paper yet, but the gears of negotiation grind on, with Liverpool holding the reins and the Georgian keen as mustard on the prospect.
Adding to the saga, another powwow is set to hash out the nitty-gritty of this deal with Valencia, and all eyes are on the Reds to see if they’ll roll the dice.
After the door closed on Zubimendi, whispers around the grounds suggest Liverpool might not bolster their midfield battalion this window. During the preseason hustle, Arne Slot, the man steering the ship, voiced his musings, noting the bar’s set mighty high for any new recruits, given the quality already lacing up their boots.
“The challenge isn’t just finding a chap who can meet our mark,” says Slot, “but also making sure he’s on the market and getting him to pen a deal.”
So as the clock ticks down, Liverpool’s faithful watch and wait, hoping for a bit of magic before the window shuts, all the while keeping their spirits as high as the Kop on matchday.