Liverpool are favourites to win the Premier League at this stage of the season given the struggles Arsenal and Manchester City have experienced. Arne Slot could go on to lift the title in his first season as Liverpool manager and this squad could write their names into the history books.
However, changes are coming and next season Liverpool could look very different with a number of players expected to move on from the club at the end of the season.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah could be on the move next summer but there are other players who could be winding down their Liverpool careers this season.
Wataru Endo could leave in the winter window and there are question marks over several players at Anfield at this stage of the campaign.
Caoimhin Kelleher is one of the Liverpool stars who is almost certain to leave given he will be entering the final year of his contract next summer.
The Ireland international wanted to leave last summer but Liverpool blocked a move and he stayed put at the club.
He deserves to join a club of his choice
Kelleher has been vital in the last few weeks in allowing the club to hold on to the momentum this season. He has been solid between the sticks in the absence of Alisson who has been recovering from a hamstring injury.
Their decision to buy Giorgi Mamardashvili last summer made it clear that the club do not see the Irishman as Alisson’s long-term successor.
Liverpool.com’s Joseph McBride claimed that Liverpool now owe the goalkeeper his preferred move given what he has done for the club over the years.
He insisted that the Reds can’t just sell him to the highest bidder and must allow him to join a club of his choice as he deserves that courtesy after spending years as a number 2 at Anfield.
McBride conceded that given his performances Liverpool can demand a big fee but a club of Kelleher’s choice could get priced out of a move, which the Reds must avoid doing.
“The Republic of Ireland goalkeeper can’t expect to replace Alisson, but Kelleher could have been promised the role once Liverpool parted ways with its first-choice option. However, Liverpool ended up spending $32 million on 24-year-old Mamardashvili, who is undeniably the long-term solution once Alisson departs the club”, he wrote.
“Mamardashvili is one of the top young goalkeepers, but once Liverpool made its stance clear on Kelleher, they were left with only one option. Not only does Liverpool need to sell Kelleher next summer, they should ensure they sell him to the right club and not just the highest bidder.
Can you name the team Liverpool sold these players to?
“Kelleher is contracted through 2026, meaning that it’s likely Liverpool will sell him next summer as the Ireland goalkeeper won’t sign a new deal. While soccer is a business in the modern day, to repay Kelleher for his service as a backup the club should ensure he is sold to his preferred team.
“The issue for Kelleher is that because he’s playing so well, Liverpool can demand a higher fee which may price certain clubs out of a move. If Liverpool demands a premium fee, it may deter big clubs who may wish to explore cheaper options elsewhere in Europe.
“Kelleher impressed after being called upon against Chelsea earlier this season. But he’s aware that while his performances will attract suitors, it could make leaving the club more troublesome.”
