While he may now be preparing for a Carabao Cup final start against Chelsea over the coming weeks, there is no doubt that Caoimhín Kelleher has a big decision to make on his Liverpool future over the coming months.
The Irishman is widely regarded as one of the best backup goalkeepers in the game at the moment, although he is now reaching the stage of his career where he needs to be playing on a consistent basis. That is unlikely to happen at Anfield, where he finds himself behind one of the best goalkeepers in the world in Alisson Becker.
Liverpool have been reluctant to sell the 25-year old, with Jurgen Klopp keen to have a reliable no. 2 in his squad as the compete on multiple fronts in both European and domestic competition. In saying that, Kelleher will need to move on at some point soon if he is to fulfil his full potential.
One club legend has now suggested an intriguing solution to the issue.
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Bruce Grobbelaar suggests intriguing Caoimhín Kelleher Liverpool solution
Bruce Grobbelaar knows what it takes to be a successful goalkeeper at Liverpool, spending 13 years at the club during his playing career and winning six league titles, three FA Cups, and a European Cup along the way.
The 66-year old is a big fan of Caoimhín Kelleher, believing that there are few other goalkeepers in the game at the moment that can offer the same skillset as the Irishman. In saying that, he also acknowledges that the player will need to play first team football in order to fulfil his potential.
Speaking to Balls for Carlsberg 0.0, Grobbelaar proposed the creative solution of selling Kelleher with a buyback clause in the deal, which would allow them to bring the player back when Alisson Becker does eventually need to be replaced.
Caoimhín Kelleher is one of the best goalkeepers I've seen as a backup.
When Jurgen Klopp tells you he's got one of the best goalkeepers in the world in Alisson and also the second best, you know that he's got Caoimhín right up there with the best. I would put him up there with the top 12 or so goalkeepers in the world.
Someone said about him trying to become the no. 1 in Ireland. The only way I can see that he can do that and if he wants to stay at Liverpool, is to ask to go somewhere with a buyback clause, so if Alisson leaves they can get him back immediately.
That's the only way I can see him getting the games that he needs to be the no. 1 Irish keeper...
He has learned from the best, and Alisson is the best. He is calm, his angles are there, coming up very much like Alisson, he's learning from the best in the world...
When I came to Liverpool we had the best goalkeeper in the world in Ray Clemence. It was difficult for me at the beginning, but then Ray Clemence left and I was thrown in at the deep end.
It's a different situation for Caoimhín Kelleher because he needs to stay and learn in training...
They rate him so highly at the moment. They want to keep him there because you don't know what can happen in games. Alisson could get an injury, he has had injuries in the past. He could get another one.
If Alisson is fit and injury free, the only way for Kelleher to go is to leave with a clause in his contract.
Pictured is former Liverpool FC footballer Bruce Grobbelaar on behalf of Carlsberg 0.0, previewing the Liverpool FC vs Chelsea Premier League fixture this Wednesday.
Caoimhín Kelleher has the potential to be a top class goalkeeper, although he will need to play on a consistent basis if that is to become a reality.
A move away from Anfield with this condition could be the catalyst he needs to eventually become the first choice goalkeeper at the club.
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CARLSBERG 0.0 TEAMS UP WITH BALLS.IE TO HOST FOOTBALLING LEGENDS GUS POYET AND BRUCE GROBBELAAR AHEAD OF THE PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURE BETWEEN LIVERPOOL FC AND CHELSEA.
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