Caoimhin Kelleher makes ‘upward trajectory’ admission ahead of new Liverpool campaign
Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher is confident he can continue on upward trajectory this season.
The Republic of Ireland international remains second choice behind Alisson at Anfield but managed to chalk up 26 appearances last term and was in goal for the EFL Cup final triumph over Chelsea.
There had been suggestions Kelleher could look to move on this summer (Liverpool Echo, 13 July) to try and forge a path as a first-choice elsewhere, but his latest comments hinted that he could stay put.
Speaking to the club’s official website (13 July), he said: “(My targets are) similar to last year really. Obviously I had a lot of games last season, which was really good. So just looking to do the same really and keep the same level of performance as well.
“It’s obviously been such a long time now since I came over when I was 16. Time flies, I’ve enjoyed every minute here, to be fair. I just want to try to keep going and going on that upward trajectory. It’s been really enjoyable and I’m looking to push on.”
The 2024/25 Premier League season will mark Kelleher’s tenth year at Liverpool.
Kelleher to push Alisson for number one spot at Liverpool
Kelleher featured 26 times for the Reds last season, the most to date so far and kept five clean sheets in all competitions.
The 25-year-old has proven to be a solid and capable deputy to Alisson over the years and stepped up in the Brazilian’s absence last term.
Liverpool would want a fee in excess of £20m to part ways with their number two (This is Anfield, 5 June), and so far no club has stepped in with legitimate interest.
Adrian has already left the club and the Reds won’t be willing to lose both of their back-up goalkeepers in the same window, despite the return of Vitezslav Jaros after a loan spell at Sturm Graz.
Last season showed the value of having a quality back-up goalkeeper in the Premier League.
Alisson missed 72 days of football through injury whilst Dorde Petrovic stepped in for Robert Sanchez and Chelsea who missed 138 days.
Stefan Ortega deputised for Ederson and Manchester City, replacing the Brazilian in the 1-1 draw against the Reds at Anfield and starting the 0-0 draw against title-rivals Arsenal at the Etihad (31 March).
Even Arsenal called upon David Raya to replace Aaron Ramsdale from the fifth match of the season onwards as Mikel Arteta preferred the Spaniard as his number one.
Liverpool understand the true value of having a Premier League quality goalkeeper as the deputy to Alisson.
Kelleher should be allowed to leave if a club matches the Reds’ valuation and his ambition for first-team football, but in any other case, Arne Slot should hang on to him and give him game time to impress next season.
In other Liverpool news, View: Ben Doak decision could save Liverpool millions amid Arne Slot comments.
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