'One of the best in the world' officially completes move to Liverpool | OneFootball

A world-class star is joining Liverpool on July 1st after finally completing his move to the Reds.

It's been a busy summer transfer window for Richard Hughes, and it's unlikely to slow down any time soon.

Already, Liverpool have strengthened significantly in several areas. Arne Slot wanted new weapons to bolster his squad and he's certainly got that.

Florian Wirtz has arrived to give Liverpool more ammunition in the centre of the pitch. Meanwhile, on the flanks Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong will be bombing up and down, using their speed and devastating energy to good effect.

In defence, Hughes has reshuffled the goalkeeping department. He's had to contend with three departures this summer with Caoimhin Kelleher leaving on a permanent deal and Vitezslav Jaros and Harvey Davies both leaving on respective loans.

For the latter two, he brought in Armin Pecsi and Freddie Woodman, who both have ample amounts of experience. The former is an exciting young talent. Meanwhile, the latter is homegrown and despite being 28-years-old, he's already played a lot of seasons in professional football to make him a worthy third choice.

Woodman will be third choice because Hughes secured a move for another world-class goalkeeper last summer. Liverpool announced last year that they had agreed to sign Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia.

Contrary to popular belief Mamardashvili was not on loan at Valencia. Hughes agreed to sign him in advance of the 2025/26 season - similar to the deal that saw the Reds complete a move for Naby Keita - one year prior to his arrival at Anfield.

In football contracts, end on June 30th for the previous season. That's why for example Trent Alexander-Arnold had to be bought out from his contract by Real Madrid, as he would have only officially become a Real Madrid player on July 1st.

Now in a similar situation, Mamardashvili's contract at Valencia ended on June 30th. Liverpool brought him out for that contract and signed an agreement with him which officially begins on July 1st.

That is at the time of writing on Tuesday, meaning Mamardashvili has finally completed his move to the Reds. He's now a Liverpool player.

And in the Georgian goalkeeper, the Reds have secured one of the best young talents in his position. Someone who is more than capable of replacing Kelleher and also fighting for the no.1 spot against Alisson Becker.

That's certainly the case according to former Dinamo Tbilisi scout, Mikha Gabechava, who told Anfield Watch he believes Mamardashvili is already 'one of the best in the world.'

"I strongly believe that his mentality played a key role in his development - he never doubted himself, and even after all the harsh mistakes at the beginning of his career, he stayed strong, never lost his motivation, and worked tirelessly to become one of the best in the world," he said.