A new report has confirmed that Caoimhin Kelleher is unwilling to commit his long-term future to Liverpool and is looking to leave in the summer in search of increased playing time which will bring an end to his 11-year stay at Anfield.
The 26-year-old has done a wonderful job as Liverpool’s no.2 goalkeeper but now wants to become a starting goalkeeper which he could do for most Premier League sides.
Liverpool have been spoiled having him ready to cover for Alisson Becker and arguably have the most talented backup goalkeeper in the Premier League. His efforts have helped the Reds win silverware and it’s fair to say most fans will not begrudge him wanting to leave in search of game time.
Caoimhin Kelleher unwilling to sign new Liverpool contract ahead of summer transfer window
The summer transfer window promises to be a busy, as reported by Fabrizio Romano recently, with it Arne Slot’s second one as Liverpool manager.
Add the club’s failure to extend contracts for Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Kelleher’s departure, there will be a lot of work to be done if things don’t change.
According to Football Insider, Newcastle United, Chelsea and “overseas clubs” are interested in acquiring Kelleher’s services in the summer if he leaves Liverpool.
The summer also represents the last chance to sell him before his deal expires in June 2026 with FI reporting that the shot-stopper is “unwilling to pen an extension” to his current terms.
Kelleher will reportedly “push for an exit” especially with Valencia goalie Giorgio Mamardashvili set to join the club after Liverpool signed him last summer.
Chelsea and Newcastle are both looking for more long-term solutions between the sticks and after failing to identify any in the January transfer window, they will be on high alert in the summer.
Liverpool will at least be able to recoup a fee for the “outstanding” Kelleher this summer unlike next year. It will be a sad goodbye for a player that has been at Anfield since he was a child but his more than a decade-long career with the Reds is in its last few months.
Hopefully, Slot and co. can provide some winners’ medals for him to add to his collection with Kelleher likely to play in the Carabao Cup final against, ironically, Newcastle.
