Opinion

Liverpool’s win over Brighton showed why ‘world-class’ player should be free to leave next summer

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Liverpool manager Arne Slot used his squad to perfection once more as the Reds beat Brighton 3-2 in the League Cup.

Slot needed to rotate his Liverpool squad given the hugely busy schedule, with the matches now arriving thick and fast.

Cody Gakpo netted a brace and Luis Diaz was also on target in the narrow win on the road, which has set up a League Cup quarter-final clash with Southampton.

It is certainly a favourable draw for the Merseyside club, but Slot will now turn his attention back to the Premier League.

After an impressive draw at Arsenal last time out, Liverpool now welcome Brighton to Anfield on Saturday.

Brighton & Hove Albion v Liverpool - Carabao Cup Fourth Round
Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images

Vitezslav Jaros produces Man of the Match display for Liverpool

It is a return to home soil, and it should be a return to the starting XI for a long list of players, including goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.

The Republic of Ireland international watched on from the bench against the Seagulls, with deputy Vitezslav Jaros really impressing.

READ MORE: Arne Slot shares verdict on Vitezslav Jaros’ full Liverpool debut against Brighton in the Carabao Cup

Jaros was the standout for Liverpool as they edged past Brighton, with the 23-year-old producing several top saves on his full debut.

He will, however, very likely swap with Kelleher next time out, with number one Alisson still sidelined with injury.

Vitezslav Jaros emerges for Arne Slot at just the right time

It is, of course, very early days in the senior Liverpool career of Jaros, but he has already proven his worth with his display against Brighton and cameo versus Crystal Palace.

And that should ease the minds of the Anfield faithful in the long-term, with a goalkeeping change incoming next summer.

Giorgi Mamardashvili will join from Valencia, with Alisson’s future certain to be in doubt as the former’s arrival becomes closer.

READ MORE: The latest results for Liverpool in the 2024/25 season

Mamardashvili’s signature will meanwhile push Kelleher further down the pecking order if Alisson does remain at Anfield.

But even if the Brazilian does move on, the Republic of Ireland is likely to once again be second choice under Slot.

Caoimhin Kelleher should be free to leave Liverpool next summer

He simply deserves more and needs more at this crucial stage of his career, with many clubs certain to welcome him as their number one with open arms.

Liverpool were right to keep ‘world-class’ goalkeeper Kelleher for this season, but that should all change next summer thanks to the emergence of Jaros.

The latter has already proved to Slot that he can operate as a successful number two, filling in for the first-choice in competitions such as the League Cup.

It would be a very sad exit for Kelleher given that he has been a superb servant over the years, but there would be the silver lining of the fee the Reds could get for his sale.

Moreover, it would undoubtedly boost their financial fair play standings given that the goalkeeper graduated from the club’s academy.