The future of Caoimhín Kelleher has been a major point of discussion for Irish football fans in recent months, with a decision to be made on whether the best path for the Corkman lies in a move away from Liverpool.
25-year-old Kelleher has been on the books at Anfield since 2015, making his senior debut for the club in 2019. However, he has struggled for regular first-team minutes, mainly due to the fact that Alisson, his main competitor for the #1 jersey, has been the world's leading goalkeeper for the past five years.
The peak of Kelleher's time with Liverpool thus far came last season, when the Irishman enjoyed a sustained run in the starting lineup in early 2024 due to an injury for his rival. During that time, he would play a major role in keeping the side's title hopes alive, and put in a stellar performance in the EFL Cup final, helping Jurgen Klopp to his final piece of silverware as Liverpool boss.
Kelleher has shown he is capable of contributing to a club operating at the highest level but, with Alisson remaining at the club for the 2024-25 season, it is unlikely he will see much game time for the Reds this season.
Judging by reports this week, it may even be tricky for Kelleher to rely on regular minutes even when the Brazilian shot-stopper does eventually leave Anfield.
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Liverpool transfer report may mean it's time for Caoimhín Kelleher to move
Finding a replacement for Alisson will be a major long-term target for Liverpool (Photo: Shutterstock)
On Wednesday, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano revealed that a move could be imminent from Liverpool for Georgia's EURO 2024 hero Giorgi Mamardashvili. Romano reported that personal terms have been agreed between the goalkeeper and Liverpool, who will now negotiate with his club Valencia.
Mamardashvili had a remarkable tournament in Germany, as Georgia not only played at an international tournament for the first time but reached the last 16. Their success was thanks in no small part to the heroics of Mamardashvili, who made 20 saves across the three group-stage games, including 11 against Czechia.
The 23-year-old has been a regular in nets for Valencia in recent years, making 93 La Liga appearances since signing for the club in 2021.
He certainly has the credentials to make the step up to a major club. Even though Fabrizio Romano's report came with the caveat that Mamardashvili will likely spend up to two seasons on loan at another Premier League club, the long-term plan does appear to be slotting the Georgian star in as Alisson's long-term replacement.
All of which is to say that things are not looking positive for Caoimhín Kelleher's long-term prospects at Liverpool.
The Corkman has put in some brilliant performances when called upon over the last five years but those starting chances have been few and far between. Kelleher himself said as the season drew to a close that he was done with playing number two and that he was looking for a chance to play more regular first-team football.
I got the taste for it and I want to do it all the time. My main ambition is to be a No 1.
It would be great if that happened at Liverpool, but I’m not silly. I know that Ali has been the best goalkeeper in the world for years.
Whether it’s here at Liverpool or somewhere else, I do feel the next step for me is to be a No 1.
Even if the move for Mamardashvili happens to fall through, the harsh reality is that it appears Liverpool do not see Caoimhín Kelleher as their future #1.
Kelleher has cemented his grip on the Irish starting spot with Gavin Bazunu out injured but he will not be satisfied if his only game-time comes every few months when the Boys in Green link up. Likewise, it cannot be encouraging for incoming head coach Heimir Hallgrímsson to be depending on a player whose minutes have been sporadic at best for most of his time at Anfield.
There is no doubt that Caoimhín Kelleher has immense potential to become a top-level goalkeeper but it is becoming increasingly apparent that Liverpool will not be the club where he achieves that.
The Irish goalkeeper has previously been linked with moves to rival Premier League clubs but the biggest link yet came earlier this week. The Sun would report that Italian giants Juventus are plotting a move for Kelleher, with the long-term plan being to slot him in as their permanent #1.
If Romano's reports are to be believed and Liverpool do intend on Mamardashvili stepping in as Alisson's successor, this may be the move Kelleher needs to establish himself as a truly top-class goalkeeper.
Liverpool are said to have placed a major price-tag on Kelleher's head, with up to £40 million required to convince the club to part ways with their current reserve.
It remains to be seen whether Juventus or any club will be willing to cough up that fee for the Liverpool star. If an offer does come in, however, it may be time for Caoimhín Kelleher to bid farewell.
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