Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher has expressed his desire to leave the Premier League club in pursuit of regular playing time and a chance to become a first-choice pick elsewhere.
Currently serving as understudy to Alisson, Kelleher impressed during his 26 appearances under Jurgen Klopp last season, deputizing for the injured Brazilian.
However, with Liverpool’s recent signing of Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili in 2025, Kelleher’s opportunities for growth and development at Anfield appear limited.
The 25-year-old Republic of Ireland international is eager to take the next step in his career, seeking a new challenge where he can establish himself as a number one goalkeeper.
Kelleher’s decision to leave Liverpool comes after a promising spell as Alisson’s deputy, where he demonstrated his capabilities and potential.
Now, he aims to find a new club where he can build on his experience and become a first-choice goalkeeper, taking his career to new heights.
Kelleher said:
“I’ve made it clear in the last few years that I want to go and be a No. 1 and play week in, week out.”
“The club’s made that decision to get another goalkeeper, and from the outside looking in, it looks like they’ve made a decision to go in a different direction.”
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Following his run of games during the 2023/24 campaign – where he played a key role in Liverpool’s EFL Cup success –
Kelleher reportedly attracted interest from fellow Premier League clubs during the summer transfer window.
However, Liverpool were reluctant to let him leave and reportedly turned down multiple approaches for a player who has been at the club for nine years.
“Sometimes from the outside looking in, it looks like that’s 100% my decision but at times it’s not always in my hands.”
“My ambition is clear that I think I’m good enough, and I want to go out and prove it.”
Although he is not getting his desired game time at Liverpool, Kelleher has seemingly been promoted to first-choice goalkeeper for Ireland.
He featured in the nation’s 2-0 defeat against England to win his 15th cap and impressed at the Aviva Stadium.
He made seven saves to keep the score down to in a dominant Three Lions display.
“I had a few saves to make and was able to help the team but it’s not about that, it’s about the team and getting the right results for the country.”
“Personally, [I’m] happy with my own performance, but we need to perform as a team, and it’s a big game on Tuesday [against Greece].”
Caoimhin Kelleher joined Liverpool’s youth academy in 2015 and rose to become a first-team squad player in 2019, making 47 appearances over five years.
