The national manager explains why moving away from Liverpool makes perfect sense and declares that Jurgen Klopp favorite is “ready to go.”
Caoimhin Kelleher, the goalkeeper for Liverpool, is very likely to leave this summer in order to play more games, according to Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny.
Since entering the Reds’ youth program, Kelleher, 24, has spent his entire professional career with the team. Although he made his first-team debut in September 2019, Alisson Becker has forced him to take a back seat. Only five of the Cork-born star’s 21 total appearances have been in the Premier League.
He was in goal, though, as the Anfield giants defeated Chelsea 11-10 on penalties to win the 2021–22 EFL Cup.
With only four games across all competitions and one in the league, game time has been scarce this term.
Since Alisson is currently ranked first without a doubt, this is unlikely to change anytime soon.
Kelleher has so far been awarded ten caps for the Republic of Ireland. But his chances of maintaining his top spot in the country are being seriously hurt by his inaction.
The shot stopper would not be leaving the club unless the Reds received an “extraordinary offer,” Reds manager Jurgen Klopp emphasized last month.
Kenny, however, doesn’t agree and believes the talented glove man will move on to better opportunities.
He told reporters: “Caoimhin is an exceptionally talented goalkeeper.
He appears to be moving this summer, which will only be advantageous for him. He has to have some fun.
“He has struggled because he hasn’t played in enough games this season. Though he is no longer as young, leaving Liverpool is difficult because it is such a venerable club. He’s 24 and he knows he needs to play.”
Clubs in the Premier League are prepared to offer Kelleher a way out of Anfield.
Everyone at Liverpool holds Kelleher in high regard, and Klopp is obviously one of his fans. Despite having warmed the bench for so long, he has yet to prove himself at the highest level.
And it appears that he will not be short of suitors if the north-west giants do approve of his departure.
Tottenham, Brentford, and Brighton are interested, according to a recent report by Football Insider.
The connection to Spurs makes sense given that Hugo Lloris is expected to leave the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer.
The Frenchman is expected to be replaced by Brentford’s David Raya, who has already been signed by Bees manager Thomas Frank.
On Wednesday, the west Londoners announced the arrival of Mark Flekken, a Dutch international.
However, there are still alternatives, and Kenny is adamant that the Irishman must leave Anfield to advance his career.
“He knew that earlier this season and I think he’s been in dialogue with Liverpool about that for a long time,” he added.
“You’d think it would occur in the summer, but it’s most likely to happen then.
“I fully anticipate [him moving]. He is currently playing behind one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
“Sitting out games won’t help you get better. He is aware of that. For a while, he has known that. He needs to play, so I believe he is ready to do it regularly.”
