It's clear to the majority that Caoimhín Kelleher needs a move away from Liverpool to reach the heights that seem possible for the Ireland goalkeeper
Kelleher has excelled when given the opportunity to stand in for Alisson between the sticks at Liverpool. However, with Alisson firmly established as one of the world's finest shot-stoppers, that is the most that Kelleher can hope for at club level.
The signing of Georgian 'keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili for £25 million appears to have sent a clear message about how Liverpool view Kelleher's prospects of taking over as #1 after Alisson, increasing the urgency of the Corkonian's pursuit of a move away from Anfield.
Whispers, reports, and suggestions have circulated wildly over the past few months, linking Kelleher with potential destinations in England, Scotland, and further afield.
The latest reports suggested that a move to Chelsea could be on the cards - but they have been shut down almost as quickly as they first emerged.
- dispel link
- previous experience w Chelsea/previous links - https://www.balls.ie/football/caoimhin-kelleher-liverpool-chelsea-588919
READ HERE: Eamon Dunphy Wonders If Hallgrímsson Has 'Right Stuff' After England Debacle
READ HERE: Heimir Hallgrímsson Made No Excuses In Assessment Of Humbling By England
Caoimhín Kelleher to Chelsea will seemingly not be happening
The Sun reported on Monday that Caoimhín Kelleher was set to be the subject of a bid from Liverpool's Premier League rivals Chelsea. Their report suggested that Chelsea might need to pay as much as £35 million to convince Liverpool to sell to a direct title rival - presumably of no issue to the cash-rich Todd Boehly.
However, those reports have quickly been shut down by multiple sources on Tuesday morning.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano tweeted on Tuesday saying, "Chelsea are currently not working on deal to sign Caoimhín Kelleher from Liverpool, despite recent links. No discussions with any other GK at this stage."
🚨🔵 Chelsea are currently not working on deal to sign Caoimhin Kelleher from Liverpool, despite recent links.
No discussions with any other GK at this stage. pic.twitter.com/H42C3f7SHK— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 19, 2024
That was backed up by Football.London reporter Bobby Vincent, who wrote on BlueSky that Chelsea were retaining full faith in their astonishingly large arsenal of goalkeepers:
No truth in reports linking Chelsea with LFC goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher. Club retain full belief in Robert Sanchez.
I’m also told Chelsea are confident in the goalkeeping department for the future with Filip Jorgensen currently Sanchez’s back-up and Mike Penders arriving next summer.
As well as Sanchez, Jorgensen, and the arriving Penders, Chelsea have Marcus Bettinelli on their books and Kepa Arrizabalaga out on loan.
Kelleher has history with Chelsea, having played a crucial role in both of Liverpool's recent cup final wins over the London club.
In the 2022 EFL Cup final, Kelleher kept a clean sheet before converting what ultimately turned out to be the winning penalty in the shootout. He would then repeat his heroics in last season's final of the same competition, with captain Virgil van Dijk saying the Irishman should have been rewarded with man of the match for his outstanding display.
Caoimhín Kelleher's future remains unclear, as yet another potential destination now appears to be closed off.
SEE ALSO: “He Has Got A Mortgage” - Robbie Keane Opens Up On Why He Stayed At Israeli Club
