Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher is looking to leave the club in search of first-team football this summer.
That’s according to The Athletic this morning. Citing sources they’ve spoken to at Anfield, they claim that the 24-year-old would ‘jump at the chance’ of becoming a first-choice goalie elsewhere.
However, Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool reportedly don’t want to lose Kelleher. The Reds are said to have ‘knocked back’ enquiries from Premier League sides last summer and look set to take the same stance this time around.
Despite that, it’s claimed that there is an ‘acknowledgement’ from Liverpool that the Irishman is at an age where he needs games. To that end, there has reportedly been interest from Tottenham Hotspur, Brighton and Brentford. A number of unidentified teams from across Europe are also said to be in the picture. No formal offers have been lodged as of yet, though.
If any do end up being put forward, it’s claimed that Liverpool are unlikely to sanction a loan deal. Instead, they would reportedly seek to include a buy-back clause for future use.
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Until then though, the idea is reportedly to keep Kelleher as a top-quality back-up for Alisson Becker. Staff at the AXA Training Centre are said to have been impressed with the goalie’s ‘professionalism and temperament’ amidst a frustrating season. They don’t want to lose him, but Kelleher wants to go. Something has to give.
Liverpool face tough Kelleher decision
This is a really tough one for Liverpool. You can understand Kelleher wanting to play, but replacing him would possibly be the Reds’ trickiest business of the summer.
It isn’t easy to find a back-up quite as good as the Ireland international. With games in the Europa League inevitably to come next season – and the final in Dublin – Klopp may also have an idea to play his No.2 in that competition, too.
If he does or not is likely to depend on Kelleher’s future. Should the ‘keeper stick around, he’d surely only do so with the promise of more meaningful game time.
Should he leave though, Alisson will probably take up his usual place between the sticks.
There have been reports that Liverpool have been looking for around £20m to sell Kelleher this summer [The Athletic]. Closer to £15m has already reportedly been deemed as ‘unrealistic’ by Brentford who have opted to bring in a different goalkeeper instead.
But when asked about Caoimhin at his press conference last week, Klopp insisted that it would take an ‘extraordinary’ fee to prise him away from Anfield. I.e, more than £20m, lads.
Whether anybody gets close to what Liverpool want will ultimately determine Kelleher’s future. As much as we’d love to see him stay, it does feel like if the asking price is met, the Reds should let him move on. Replacing Caoimh won’t be easy, but it’s time to let him shine as a No.1