Caoimhin Kelleher’s long-term future at Liverpool continues to be the subject of intense speculation, with the Irishman eager to secure first-team football away from Anfield.
The 25-year-old has played second fiddle to first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker over the past five years and has been clamouring for more chances.
Kelleher played 26 times across all competitions last season, including ten appearances in the Premier League, where he kept two clean sheets.
His heroics in last season’s Carabao Cup final earned the praise of then-manager Jurgen Klopp, who serenaded the Irishman as the best number-two keeper in the world.
Kelleher has the ability to cement his spot as a starting keeper, but displacing Alisson as Liverpool’s number one is an impossible task.
Potential Exit Routes Start Closing
Kelleher’s pursuit of first-team football has hit a roadblock, especially in the Premier League.
The Irishman has two years left on his contract at Anfield, and Liverpool are demanding at least £25 million to part ways with him.
While he remains a highly-rated keeper, finding a club willing to match Liverpool’s asking price and hand him a prominent role has been difficult.
Nottingham Forest appeared to be his most likely destination, but they have signed 25-year-old Carlos Miguel from Brazilian club Corinthians.
Scottish Premiership giants Celtic also looked a good bet, particular given the club’s sizeable fan base in Ireland. Online betting sites in Ireland would have offered eye-catching odds on the Liverpool goalkeeper claiming the Golden Glove at Celtic Park.
Celtic’s odds of signing Kelleher were solid given the Irish connections, but they struggled to match Liverpool’s demands and opted to sign former Leicester City keeper Kasper Schmeichel on a free transfer.
Kelleher’s exit options are fading as the transfer window progresses, but there are still a couple of alternatives he could explore in a desperate bid to leave Liverpool this summer.
Bayer Leverkusen
With Premier League options thin on the ground, Kelleher may be wise to explore clubs outside of England, and the Bundesliga is an attractive option.
Kelleher could be a good fit for Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen, especially with Lucas Hradecky approaching the twilight of his career.
The 34-year-old remains a solid shot-stopper for Die Werkself, but Kelleher could be his long-term successor. Leverkusen could offer the Irishman a chance to showcase his skill set at the highest level.
Kelleher’s talent and potential make him an attractive option for Leverkusen. A move to the BayArena would provide the Irishman with the opportunity to compete for silverware both domestically and in the Champions League.
Xabi Alonso has implemented a possession-based attacking brand of football, which matches Kelleher’s strengths as a goalkeeper who is comfortable with the ball at his feet.
Newcastle United
Newcastle United may be Kelleher’s only remaining option if he wants to remain in the Premier League.
The Magpies are in the market for a new goalie and have set their sights on disgruntled Arsenal stopper Aaron Ramsdale.
However, Kelleher would be a better signing for the Magpies, considering he has proven himself to be a reliable and consistent performer whenever called upon by Liverpool.
His experience in high-pressure situations, strong shot-stopping abilities and composure make him an ideal candidate to strengthen Newcastle’s goalkeeping options.
The Magpies are looking for a keeper who can challenge Nick Pope for a starting role. While Martin Dubravka has deputised admirably, signing a keeper of Kelleher’s quality would be a coup.
Saudi Pro League
Given his limited options, Kelleher may be better off spending one more season at Liverpool before assessing his options next summer.
Spending another 12 months as Alisson’s understudy may not be the most attractive proposition, but if he maintains his high standards he will improve his chances of securing a high-profile exit.
The Saudi Pro League could be a last-gasp escape route. The free-spending Gulf State can offer him first-team football and sweeten the deal with a lucrative contract proposal.
However, it remains to be seen whether the Irishman is ready to cut ties with Europe in a desperate bid to secure playing time.
