Chris Kirkland suggests Liverpool may not even try and stop 24-year-old from leaving the club

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Liverpool lost a number of big-name players during last summer’s transfer window, leading to a reshaping of the team.

The likes of Roberto Firmino, Jordan Henderson and James Milner left, amongst others, leaving Jurgen Klopp with work to do in the market.

Thankfully though, one man he didn’t have to replace was back-up goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher. Kelleher has been a reliable presence since becoming the Reds’ No2, but looked ready to leave at the end of last season. In the end, he stayed. But speaking to The Redmen TV today, former Liverpool stopper Chris Kirkland said that next year Klopp may have no choice but to let the Irishman go.

“I was half-surprised he didn’t move in the summer. I thought there was interest in him,” said the pundit. “Caoimhin has been that good of a servant, no fuss. If he went to the club and said ‘look, I want to move on, I need to go and play,’ the club would do it, because Liverpool are fair.

“I think next summer could be the one because listen, you’re not going to play in-front of Ali, simple as that.

“I’m sure there’s a plan behind the scenes with Caoimhin, but the club will do right by what he wants because he deserves to. He’s been an outstanding, loyal servant to the club.”

Kelleher ready for bigger role

Truthfully, we were also surprised to see Kelleher stay at Liverpool beyond the summer. With Premier League sides reportedly interested in the 24-year-old, a departure seemed inevitable.

But with no one seemingly willing to match Liverpool’s asking-price, Caoimhin remained – and remains – at Anfield.

From a Reds perspective, that’s obviously no bad thing. The Ireland international has proven himself to be an able deputy to Alisson Becker and has already played more games than last season.

However, it also must be said that Kelleher has looked a little rusty when playing in the early part of the campaign.

Turning 25 next weekend, the academy graduate is not a youngster anymore. He may have only played 26 times for Liverpool, but he’s been around the first-team for around five years now.

If he wants to be a No.1 at a good level sometime soon, then he may have to improve slightly when he gets his chances.

Nevertheless, it’s hard to imagine that Liverpool would stand in Kelleher’s way if he did find himself a move. The money and timing would have to be right, but Kirkland is bang on, Caoimh has earned his chance.

January should be a no-go. But it would be to no-one’s surprise if this is Kelleher’s last season at Liverpool. Make it count, Caoimh!