Transfer News: Manchester United reach out to Valencia to enquire about goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili in the summer
According to Spanish newspaper AS (h/t Express), Manchester United have reached out to Valencia to enquire about the possibility of signing goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili in the summer transfer window, as a potential replacement for Dean Henderson.
Henderson has become second-choice to David de Gea at Old Trafford, with the Englishman barely afforded any chances to shine this term. de Gea has been in spectacular form for United, with the Spaniard firmly establishing himself as first-choice for the team.
This could force Henderson to depart his boyhood club in search of regular football elsewhere. This has in turn nudged the Red Devils in the direction of Mamardashvili, who has impressed at Valencia this season after making the move from Dinamo Tbilisi last winter.
The 21-year-old initially joined the La Liga club on loan in the summer of 2021, but his dazzling displays in between the sticks for the Bats forced them to sign him permanently by the time the next transfer window rolled around in January. He has not looked back since, making a name for himself in Spain.
Phone call for Mamardashvili
Things seem to have gotten better this season for the Georgia international, who received a phone call from United to ask for more details about a potential transfer in the summer and its surrounding financial conditions. Having been a revelation during the previous campaign, there is an expectation that he could be set to earn a big move.
The shot-stopper’s current release clause is in the region of £16m, but since Valencia are buckling under continued financial pressure, they could allow him to leave for around £10m. That said, Los Che are also keen to offer a new and improved contract to Mamardashvili – that includes a bigger release clause.
However, any potential deal for Mamardashvili hinges on Henderson’s departure in the summer. The England international was once touted to be de Gea’s successor, but the Spaniard does not look like he has any plans to give up his spot.
He was briefly replaced by Henderson last season after losing form, but quickly turned things around and reclaimed his starting spot in the team. It led to the 25-year-old once again warming the bench, watching de Gea take the applause for his saves in the Premier League and Champions League this term.
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In the event the Carrington product leaves in the summer and Mamardashvili is roped in, the Georgian is not expected to replace de Gea. He would simply be a like-for-like replacement for Henderson, having to deputise for the Spanish goalkeeper given the ex-Atletico Madrid star’s current form.
It remains to be seen what happens to Henderson in the coming weeks, and if so, whether the English club will actively look for replacements. Mamardashvili is an attractive option, and only time will tell if the Red Devils will snap him up from Valencia before the start of the new season.
