EPL Index
·31 August 2026
Nottingham Forest may move for Premier League stopper

In partnership with
Yahoo sportsEPL Index
·31 August 2026

Liverpool are keeping a watching brief on Genk goalkeeper Lucca Brughmans as the final stages of the transfer window bring uncertainty around Giorgi Mamardashvili’s future, with Echo reporting that Nottingham Forest are weighing up a move for the Georgia international.
Brughmans, who turned 18 in June, has quickly emerged as one of the more highly regarded young goalkeepers in Europe. Liverpool’s interest is understood to sit at monitoring stage for now, rather than anything more advanced before Tuesday’s 11pm deadline. That position reflects both the competitive market around the player and the fact that any immediate movement may depend on developments involving Mamardashvili.

imago
Within Liverpool’s recruitment structure, Brughmans has been identified by the club’s Global Talent department, led by Matt Newberry, as a goalkeeper of significant long-term promise. He has already made four senior appearances for Genk and has represented Belgium at Under-19 level, factors that have helped elevate his profile among top European clubs.
There is further competition too, with Real Madrid among those credited with interest. That naturally makes any future pursuit more complex, and there is no indication at this stage that Liverpool are preparing a late push before the deadline passes.
The key variable appears to be Mamardashvili. Nottingham Forest’s interest gives this situation added relevance, particularly as Liverpool’s depth chart could alter if the 24-year-old were to seek a move after only a year on Merseyside. Freddie Woodman is currently the club’s third-choice goalkeeper, but Liverpool may yet feel a need to reinforce the succession plan if circumstances shift.
Mamardashvili joined in a £29m agreement struck with Valencia in the summer of 2024, with the move completed the following year. He went on to make 20 appearances last season under Arne Slot, covering during Alisson Becker’s spell out with a muscle injury.
Brughmans fits the profile of player Liverpool have been targeting through their specialist youth recruitment channels. Recent additions Mor Talla Ndiaye and Ifeanyi Ndukwe arrived after being tracked at youth level, while Colombian playmaker Samuel Martinez is also due to join next year. It points to a strategy built around early identification, patience and optionality, with the goalkeeper department now another area worth watching closely.
From a Nottingham Forest perspective, this is the kind of report that naturally sparks optimism. Mamardashvili has already shown he can operate at a high level, and if Forest are genuinely in the conversation, supporters will feel the club are aiming with ambition. Goalkeeper is such a decisive position in the Premier League, and bringing in someone with his profile would send a message about where Forest believe they belong.
There is also a practical football case for it. Forest need reliability, presence and a keeper capable of winning points on his own across a long season. Mamardashvili has that aura. He is experienced, physically imposing and has already handled pressure at major clubs and on the international stage. For a team wanting to strengthen its foundations, that matters enormously.
Supporters would also read this as a sign that recruitment remains forward-thinking under Oliver Glasner. Forest have worked hard to build a squad with greater balance and more top-flight resilience. If they can add a goalkeeper of this calibre, it would raise confidence right across the back line.
Of course, interest does not guarantee a deal, and Liverpool’s own planning may yet affect the outcome. Even so, Forest fans can be encouraged that the club are being linked with serious talent. This is the level they should be shopping at, and if an opportunity opens, they have every reason to hope the move can become a real one.
Source: Echo







































