Caoimhin Kelleher seems poised to make an exit from Liverpool by the season’s end, and it wouldn’t be surprising if he’s already completed his tenure in the Reds’ lineup.
The 26-year-old played his third Carabao Cup final this past Sunday, but couldn’t stop Newcastle from clinching the win. Interestingly, Newcastle is among the clubs rumored to be interested in snatching up the goalkeeper. With Giorgi Mamardashvili slated to join Anfield in the summer, the competition for the starting spot under Arne Slot’s management is about to get stiffer.
Spurs Throw Their Hat in the Ring
GIVEMESPORT confirmed on Tuesday night that Kelleher is likely on his way out of Liverpool in the coming months. The latest club to express interest is Tottenham Hotspur, though they’re not the only team hoping to add the Republic of Ireland international to their roster.
However, Spurs might face a significant hurdle. With current keepers Guglielmo Vicario and Antonin Kinsky (who came onboard in January) getting the nod, they can’t assure Kelleher the consistent playtime he’s yearning for.
The Need for a Starting Role
For Liverpool, letting Kelleher go should come with one crucial condition: any team looking to sign him must ensure he’s their first-choice goalkeeper. The Irish keeper is too talented to remain on the sidelines, a position he’s been stuck in at Anfield thanks in large part to Alisson Becker’s outstanding form. Unfortunately, there’s little room for rotation in goalkeeping roles.
If clubs like Spurs and the reportedly interested Chelsea can’t offer him guaranteed minutes, they realistically have little chance of landing him. Kelleher has shown he’s more than ready to take on a starting role in the Premier League, and even on the European stage (just ask Kylian Mbappe!).
Liverpool should be prepared to negotiate a sale for Kelleher, provided there’s an interested buyer who can meet his need for game time and is reflective of his talent level. Naturally, they must also ensure they’re getting a fair market price for someone who is among the finest goalkeepers in England’s top tier.
Kelleher has simply outgrown being the perennial backup. He deserves to be on the pitch week in and week out, which, regrettably, he won’t get the opportunity to do at Liverpool.
