Caoimhin Kelleher is reportedly seeking a move away from Liverpool, with Celtic emerging as the frontrunners to sign the talented Irish goalkeeper.
After years of serving as Alisson Becker’s understudy, Kelleher has made it clear that he wants to become a first-choice goalkeeper, and Celtic could provide him with the regular playing time he desires.
Having spent his entire professional career at Liverpool, Kelleher has accumulated valuable experience, shining in the club’s Carabao Cup triumphs under Jurgen Klopp.
The 24-year-old has won a total of six trophies with Liverpool, including the Premier League and Champions League, but his most memorable contributions came in the domestic cup competitions.
Kelleher was instrumental in Liverpool’s Carabao Cup win in the 2021/22 season, where his penalty shootout heroics helped secure the Reds’ victory in the final against Chelsea.
Caoimhin Kelleher. Credit: Imago Images
Despite these successes, Kelleher’s opportunities for first-team football have been limited, largely due to the world-class form of Alisson Becker.
With the news that Liverpool are planning to sign Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili as a potential long-term backup, Kelleher’s future at Anfield looks uncertain.
Speaking ahead of a Republic of Ireland Nations League match, Kelleher hinted that the time may be right for him to seek a new challenge.
“I think I made it clear in the last few years that I want to go and be a number one and play week in, week out,” he said.
“The club has made that decision to get another goalkeeper as well, which from the outside looking in looks like they have made a decision to go in a different direction.
“So yeah, my ambition has always been clear and has been clear the last few seasons, that I want to go and be a number one and play week in, week out. Sometimes from the outside looking in, it looks like that is 100 percent my decision, and maybe at times it’s not always in my hands as well.
“Like I said, my ambition was to go out and play and be a number one. I think it’s been reported that Liverpool rejected a few bids as well. So like I say, it’s not always in my hands to fully make the decision.
“So my ambition is clear, I think I am good enough and I want to go out and prove that I can play week in, week out.”
Where might Kelleher go?
Kelleher’s ambition to become a first-choice keeper has attracted interest from several clubs, including Brentford and Nottingham Forest, but Celtic appear to be the favourites to secure his signature.
Caoimhin Kelleher. Credit: Imago Images
The Scottish champions, managed by former Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers, are reportedly keen to sign Kelleher as their new number one.
Betting expert Lee Astley commented: “Celtic lead the race for Kelleher at 6/4, and with his desire for regular football, a move to Glasgow could be the perfect fit.”
While Kelleher has been a loyal servant to Liverpool, a move to Celtic could finally give him the platform to prove himself as a top goalkeeper and fulfill his ambition of being a consistent starter.
