Real Madrid Presented an Offer for 23-Year-Old Goalkeeper Prior to Securing Kepa’s Signing

Real Madrid’s Goalkeeper Quest: From Mamardashvili’s Miss to Kepa’s Surprising Success

Real Madrid faced an unexpected challenge when Thibaut Courtois suffered an ACL injury just days before the season began, potentially ruling him out for the entire campaign. In need of a quick solution between the posts, Los Blancos swiftly secured the loan signing of Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea—a move that raised eyebrows but has proven to be successful.

However, recent reports from AS reveal that Real Madrid had explored another goalkeeper option during the summer—Giorgi Mamardashvili of Valencia. The club reportedly submitted an offer of €5 million as a loan fee for one season, along with a non-obligatory option to buy clause exceeding €30 million. Real Madrid set a 48-hour deadline for Valencia to provide a definitive response.

Despite the offer, a move for Mamardashvili did not materialize. The tight timeline placed Valencia in a challenging position, requiring them to make a swift decision on the goalkeeper’s potential exit and find a suitable replacement.

With Kepa performing admirably, there are discussions about Real Madrid considering a permanent transfer if the opportunity arises. The Spaniard’s solid performances, coupled with Andriy Lunin’s expected departure when his contract expires in the summer of 2024, make Kepa a valuable asset for the club.

Meanwhile, Mamardashvili continues to be linked with a move away from Valencia. Premier League and Serie A clubs, along with Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, are reportedly interested in the 23-year-old goalkeeper. As Real Madrid navigates the season with Kepa, Mamardashvili’s future remains uncertain, with various European clubs vying for his services.