Richard Hughes has just handed Arne Slot an UNWELCOME selection dilemma

Liverpool could have an impending crisis on their hands courtesy of an “opportunistic” Richard Hughes transfer deal.

Last summer the Reds only completed ONE permanent incoming signing with Federico Chiesa arriving at the club late in the window.

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But Liverpool also tied up a deal for goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili that would see the Valencia starter remain on loan at Mestalla for the 2024/25 season.

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It was then expected that the Georgian would move to Anfield on a permanent £29 million deal where he would take up his position as No1.

That signing has caused significant disruption already with Caoimhin Kelleher stating his dissatisfaction with the new competition.

Will Mamardashvili replace Alisson?

But it’s not only Kelleher’s nose that is threatened with being put out of joint.

Alisson Becker, 32, is again emerging as the best goalkeeper in the world. The Brazilian had the game of his life on Wednesday as the Reds overcame Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie at the Parc des Princes.

He made nine saves on the night, winning man of the match and earning widespread praise.

And Arne Slot is on the record as stating that Alisson will remain his No1 no matter what Kelleher manages in his absence. His status right now is indisputable.

But how is the dynamic going to work when Mamardashvili arrives?

Let’s assume Liverpool clear the decks by finding a buyer for Kelleher. That said, they were unable to sell for their desired price last summer and the Irishman is one year closer to his expiry in 2026. That could mean compromise.

Alisson not leaving

But more importantly Anfield Watch understands that it’s not going to be a straightforward handover of the gloves.

Alisson is fit, happy and intending to remain on Merseyside until the end of his £200,000 per-week contract. He is not due to leave the club until 2027.

So the problem for Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes - the architect of the Mamardashvili move - is that his head coach loves Alisson. And Alisson is the best goalkeeper in the world on current form.

While Mamardashvili is a fine exponent of the art, can he compete with the South American?

There is every chance he ends up relegated this season with Valencia, despite his best efforts, and the price Hughes locked in last summer might look a little overblown if that club is desperate to offload players in the summer.

And if he does arrive with some kind of pathway in mind to becoming No1, what does that mean in practice?

An unwelcome situation for Slot

Kelleher only plays when the stakes are relatively low or when Alisson is injured. Given that Mamardashvili has explicitly stated he is coming to become first choice, this creates an unwelcome selection dilemma for Slot.

That is, unless, Liverpool are planning to get rid of Alisson in summer in favour of a younger goalkeeper (24) on far less wages.

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Right now, Alisson looks back to his best and immovable. If you were going to set about rebuilding this Liverpool team, you wouldn’t touch the goalkeeping position any time soon.

But the Reds’ hand could be forced owing to decisions taken last summer. And that’s on Richard Hughes.

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