Journalist drops bombshell transfer prediction over Liverpool star as Arne Slot faces huge decision
A respected journalist has dropped a bombshell prediction on Liverpool's summer transfer plans under Arne Slot.
The Reds have only completed two permanent signings since Slot arrived, with goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili and winger Federico Chiesa joining the club last summer.
Chiesa has only had a bit-part role this season, partly due to a series of injuries, while Mamardashvili is on loan at Valencia for the entire 2024/25 campaign.
That lack of spending may have been as a result of Liverpool's official accounts for the 2023/24 season, which were published on Friday.
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The club recorded a pre-tax loss of £57 million for the 2023/24 campaign, which was largely due to a £38 million drop in media revenue resulting from their failure to qualify for the Champions League, and transfer spending on the likes of Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch.
With Champions League football returning to Anfield this season and the prospect of higher Premier League prize money - as well as the aforementioned lack of spending in the transfer market - Liverpool are set to be in a far stronger position, it appears, when it comes to activity this summer.
But they will have to resolve a number of other matters first, not least the impending contract expirations of Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
And another headache for Slot will be the arrival of Mamardashvili following his Valencia loan spell.
The Reds already have Alisson and Caoimhin Kelleher on the books, and with both challenging each other for the number one spot, it is difficult to know for sure where the Georgia international fits in, in the short-term.
And transfer journalist Graeme Bailey has now predicted that both Mamardashvili and Kelleher will be allowed to Liverpool in the summer in what would be a bombshell decision.
He told Rousing the Kop: "I wouldn't rule out that Alisson starts next season and Mamardashivili might have another season out on loan.
"I'd be amazed if Mamardashvili would accept the number two role in a World Cup year.
"They could loan him out, and a team could cover his wages and pay to have him. It's a no-lose situation. I think if Alisson stays, then Mamardashvili will get loaned out."
The 24-year-old goalkeeper has now made over 100 La Liga appearances since joining Valencia in 2021, and has already racked up 27 caps for Georgia.
Given Liverpool paid an initial £25 million to sign him last summer, it would be a surprise if he was willing to accept a reserve role for an entire season or even beyond - particularly when Alisson, who will still only be 32 when next season begins, has plenty of football left to play at the top level.
Ryan Smart