Caoimhin Kelleher has openly expressed his desire to leave Liverpool after the club’s recent signing of Giorgi Mamardashvili suggested they are moving in a different direction.
Despite playing 26 games for Liverpool last season and securing his second League Cup title, Kelleher was swiftly relegated to a backup role once Alisson regained fitness.
The 25-year-old Irish goalkeeper has been vocal about his ambition to become a first-choice goalkeeper at a top club. His latest comments, reported by Daniel McDonnell of the Irish Independent, are perhaps his most direct yet. Kelleher stated, “I’ve made it clear over the last few years that I want to go somewhere and be the number one. The club has signed a new goalkeeper, so it seems like they’ve chosen a different path.”
This summer, Liverpool secured a deal to sign Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili for £29 million, though he will stay at Valencia for another season.
Despite Kelleher’s hopes of securing a move, a transfer has not materialized. Liverpool reportedly rejected several bids for him, including one from Nottingham Forest that was significantly below their £35 million valuation.
The proposed deal with Forest, according to The Times’ Paul Joyce, would have also involved Forest’s keeper, Matt Turner, moving to Anfield. Other clubs like Celtic, Brighton, and Brentford were also linked to Kelleher but did not submit satisfactory offers.
Kelleher also mentioned his frustration, saying, “It’s not always in my control. My ambition is clear—I believe I’m good enough to play regularly, and I want to play week in and week out.”
Liverpool’s coach, Arne Slot, has emphasized the need for competition in the squad, especially for a high-profile role like goalkeeper. Alisson has recently committed to staying with the club until 2026, leaving Kelleher’s future uncertain.
Slot explained, “At a club like Liverpool, you need strong competition. Mamardashvili is someone for the future, but for now, I’m happy with the goalkeepers we have—Caoimh, Vit Jaros, and Ali.”
Kelleher is expected to feature in the League Cup this season, but with his talent, it’s understandable that he would seek a more prominent role elsewhere. However, with no adequate bids and Liverpool unwilling to lower their valuation, his departure has been delayed.
Despite this, there are no concerns regarding Kelleher’s professionalism or commitment to the team.
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