As the transfer window nears its closure, it appears increasingly likely that Irish goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher will remain a Liverpool player.
The Corkman has been routinely linked with a move away from Anfield for some time now, and recent transfer developments at the club have led to more question marks about Kelleher's long-term position at the club.
Liverpool recently completed the signing of Georgian shot-stopper Giorgi Mamardashvili, immediately loaning the 23-year-old back to Valencia. Mamardashvili has been Valencia's first-choice keeper for several years now and starred in Georgia's run to the knockout stages of EURO 2024.
His arrival would suggest that Liverpool do not see Caoimhín Kelleher as the long-term successor to Alisson Becker between the sticks. Despite this, the club have reportedly this week turned down a bid from a Premier League side for the Irishman.
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Liverpool reportedly reject Nottingham Forest bid for Caoimhín Kelleher
11 June 2024; Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher makes a save from Joao Neves of Portugal during the international friendly match between Portugal and Republic of Ireland at Estádio Municipal de Aveiro in Aveiro, Portugal. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
Paul Joyce reports that Liverpool have rejected an undisclosed bid from Nottingham Forest for Caoimhín Kelleher. The Times journalist tweeted saying that the offer from Forest was "well below Liverpool's valuation."
Perhaps more intriguing is Joyce's suggestion that the club are "not looking to sell" Kelleher, suggesting that they are eager to keep hold of the Irish goalkeeper. With Giorgi Mamardashvili seemingly having a long-term future at the club, questions must now be asked about where Kelleher fits into the Liverpool setup.
Earlier this week, both Bournemouth and Wolves had been linked with late moves for Caoimhín Kelleher, though Bournemouth have now snapped Chelsea outcast Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan. With the reports that Liverpool are not looking to sell Kelleher, it remains unclear whether any Premier League side will be willing to cough up the necessary funds to secure his signature.
It is perhaps no surprise that Liverpool do not want to relinquish their grip on such a strong backup keeper as Kelleher while Mamardashvili is out on loan, but it also poses questions about how much money will be needed to prise the Irish international from their grip.
Kelleher was named in Heimir Hallgrimsson's first Ireland squad on Thursday, alongside fellow goalkeepers Mark Travers and Max O'Leary.
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