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SokaLive

30 Jul 2026, 11:21

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Manchester City have secured the signing of Giorgi Mamardashvili, the Georgian goalkeeper, from Valencia on a long-term contract, with the 23-year-old immediately loaned back to the La Liga club for the remainder of the season. Mamardashvili has emerged as one of Europe's most promising shot-stoppers, establishing himself as a cornerstone of Valencia's defence during a challenging campaign that has seen the Mestalla side battling relegation concerns in the Spanish top flight.

The acquisition represents City's investment in long-term goalkeeping succession, a critical consideration given Ederson's pivotal role in Pep Guardiola's system over the past six seasons. Mamardashvili's command of possession and distribution skills align perfectly with Manchester City's demanding technical requirements, whilst his commanding presence has already drawn comparisons to established elite European keepers. Valencia's financial circumstances necessitated the sale, yet the arrangement allows them to retain the Georgian's services immediately, providing stability during their survival struggle.

Mamardashvili will complete the 2024–25 campaign at Valencia before joining City's ranks permanently, joining a squad that continues pursuing multiple domestic and European honours. The move follows City's established pattern of acquiring youthful talent for future integration, mirroring their previous strategic acquisitions including Kalvin Phillips and Manuel Akanji. Should he settle seamlessly into City's demanding environment, Mamardashvili could develop into the club's primary goalkeeper within two seasons, providing Guardiola with a keeper moulded to his exacting standards.