Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher has publicly expressed his wish to depart from Anfield.
The Reds secured goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia as their first signing under Arne Slot‘s reign. New sporting director Richard Hughes finalised a £30million deal for the Georgian star, who will stay with the La Liga club for the rest of the season.
Despite Kelleher’s impressive performances as backup for the Reds number one Alisson Becker, Mamardashvili is seen as the long-term replacement for the 31-year-old, amidst interest in the Brazilian shotstopper from the Saudi Pro League. Just days after the majority of countries closed their transfer windows, Kelleher voiced his intention to leave, having been effectively informed that he won’t be Slot’s first choice either now or next season.
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While on international duty with the Republic of Ireland, Kelleher said: “I made it clear in the last few years that I want to go somewhere and be a number one. The club has made that decision to get a goalkeeper [Mamardashvili] which makes it look like they’ve made a decision to go another direction,” reports the Express.
He added: “Liverpool have rejected a few bids as well. It’s not always in my hands to fully make the decision. My ambition is clear. I’m good enough and I want to go and play week in, week out.”
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Mamardashvili, recently shortlisted for the Yachine Trophy at France Football’s annual Ballon d’Or ceremony, is considered one of Europe’s most promising goalkeepers. However, his recruitment hardly demonstrates confidence in Kelleher, who stayed at Anfield this season despite interest from other clubs and a reported valuation exceeding £20m.
The Times reported Nottingham Forest had an offer ‘significantly below Liverpool’s valuation’ turned down on August 29 for Kelleher, with the Reds not intending to sell their second-choice goalkeeper at that time. The 25-year-old has established himself as one of the world’s top back-up goalkeepers during his tenure under Jurgen Klopp.
He played a pivotal role in two League Cup final victories over Chelsea in 2022 and 2024 and many wouldn’t blame him for seeking a starting role elsewhere.
Kelleher has even gone so far as to publicly express his desire to leave, after being denied his wish to part ways with the club following five years of service, in the hope of finding a new team where he feels his worth is recognised.