Barcelona held an interest in 23-year-old La Liga star before Liverpool agreement – report

Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s serious knee injury has opened the door for a debate at Barcelona regarding the future of their goalkeeping department.

The idea is for the club to bring in an emergency short-term solution right away, with the likes of Wojciech Szczesny and Keylor Navas being considered.

However, given that Ter Stegen’s injury is very serious and he will be turning 33 years old in a few months, the discussion about a long-term heir for the German is on the horizon.

Barcelona like Giorgi Mamardashvili

Now, Mundo Deportivo reports that Barcelona like current Valencia first-choice goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.

Indeed, the 23-year-old is very well-liked at Barça, who have good reports on the Georgian international shot-stopper.

Mamardashvili signed for Liverpool last summer. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

In fact, the report further states that the Blaugrana would have considered making a move for Mamardashvili this past summer if not for the club’s financial situation and the total confidence in Ter Stegen.

However, a move for Mamardashvili in the near future is no longer possible as Liverpool signed the 23-year-old custodian.

The Reds reached an agreement with Valencia over a deal worth €30 million plus another €5 million in add-ons for the Georgian international this past summer, and allowed him to continue with the La Liga club on loan for this season.

Having opted not to make a move for Mamardashvili, Barcelona will be unable to sign him in the near future as he will be headed to Liverpool next year.

However, if the Catalans do decide to go after a long-term replacement for Ter Stegen, they have FC Porto’s Diogo Costa on the agenda.