Topics: Liverpool, Liverpool Transfer News & Rumours, Transfers
23-year-old shot stopper Caoimhin Kelleher could leave Liverpool this summer with the Republic of Ireland international seeking more first-team opportunities.
Kelleher, who has acted as a deputy for Alisson Becker this season when required, has impressed when given minutes on the pitch by Jürgen Klopp. However, for Kelleher, such chances are too few and far between, and he expects to have “conversations” with the club about his future this summer.
The Irishman has been with Liverpool since 2015, moving from Ringmahon Rangers to join the Reds’ academy in Merseyside. He has done well to establish himself as the club’s clear no. 2 ahead of Adrian, but The Irish Independent report the young goalkeeper believes his time at Anfield could be up.
It is never easy to say no to a squad player when they ask to leave a club. Caoimhin Kelleher will have aspirations of becoming a first-choice goalkeeper in the future, and for as long as Alisson is around, that won’t be happening at Liverpool. It’d be harsh of Jürgen Klopp to stand in Kelleher’s way if were to hand in a formal transfer request.
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Kelleher’s destination if he were to leave Liverpool is not yet clear. He is one of numerous Liverpool players linked with a move away from England’s north-east, with the likes of Sadio Mané, Naby Keita, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all likely to be moved on this summer. Given how well Kelleher has done for Liverpool when granted opportunities, one would expect he’d be looking for a move to a fellow Premier League club.
Kelleher must be wary of the fact that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side for an on the move no. 2 goalkeeper. Former Liverpool goalkeeper Danny Ward departed Liverpool in a similar vein in 2018 and has since failed to displace Kasper Schmeichel at Leicester. Kelleher should think carefully about his next move.
It’d be interesting to see whether Liverpool choose to pursue the signing of a new goalkeeper if Kelleher does depart. They already have Adrian and Loris Karius waiting in the wings if an injury crisis was to occur. However, Jürgen Klopp would likely prefer to see Kelleher stay after performing as a reliable understudy for Alisson this season.
