Jadon Sancho swap deal holds key to Man Utd hijacking Liverpool transfer
Liverpool are the only Premier League club that has yet to make a signing this summer, and Manchester United could be set to hijack their first signing - and Jadon Sancho has a role to play
Jadon Sancho’s future could hold the key to Manchester United hijacking Liverpool ’s move for Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.
It is understood Liverpool have already agreed personal terms with Mamardashvili, 23, who starred for Georgia in their run to the last 16 of Euro 2024.
The deal could be the first signing of the Arne Slot era, but sources say the 6ft 6in keeper is also very much open to a move to Old Trafford.
United, who beat visitors Fulham 1-0 on Friday night in the Premier League ’s season opener, are long-time admirers of Mamardashvili but need to trim their squad before bringing in new faces.
And the sale of winger Sancho, 24, who was banished back to Borussia Dortmund on loan in January after a bitter fall-out with boss Erik ten Hag, would give United significant room for manoeuvre.
Sancho’s position remains uncertain, with Chelsea among those said to be interested in him, while he has also been linked with a swap deal to Paris Saint-Germain which would see Manuel Ugarte head to Old Trafford. Despite his absence on Friday night, Ten Hag stressed his absence from the squad for the Fulham game was only due to an ear infection.
With superstar forward Kylian Mbappe now at Real Madrid, reinforcements are needed out wide at PSG, and Sancho, once touted to be one of Europe’s great wide-men, has caught their eye.
The only issue surrounding the deal may be United's lack of PSR wiggle room, as they have already spent big on Leny Yoro, Joshua Zirkzee, and Matthijs de Ligt during this window – so a sale would be preferable. The deal remains an unlikely one, but it could develop amid talks that reportedly began two weeks ago.
Mamardashvili joined Valencia, initially on loan, in the summer of 2021 from Dinamo Tbilisi in his native country, and still has three years left on his contract with the La Liga club.
Mamardashvili, meanwhile, has urged Valencia not to price him out of a dream move to Liverpool. The La Liga club are demanding £34million for the 23-year-old - and that asking price has proved too rich for the Reds. Liverpool have been unwilling to go beyond a package worth £30million, including add-ons for a player who will be No 2 behind Alisson.
Now Mamardashvili's advisers have urged Valencia to break the negotiating deadlock so that a deal can be done. The hope is that a compromise can be reached which would see Liverpool pay an initial £30million, with a small package of bonuses based on appearances.
There is a growing belief that Mamardashvili will become new Kop boss Arne Slot's first signing. The former Dinamo Tbilisi stopper was outstanding for Georgia at the Euros before they bowed out in the last 16 with a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Spain.
His arrival would mean Caoimhin Kelleher is surplus to requirements at Anfield, but there is no shortage of interest in the talented Irishman.
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