Everton star wowed by Liverpool player transfer news
Caoimhin Kelleher is on the verge of departing Liverpool in search of first-team football.
Kelleher, 26, is set to join Brentford for an initial £12.5million, which could increase to £18m if specific add-ons are met.
The Irishman has proven himself to be a reliable shot-stopper at Anfield, starting 20 games in all competitions this season and losing just four times.
The Liverpool back-up has become frustrated with a lack of game time, having been unable to usurp Alisson as the number one goalkeeper, leading to his desire to leave.
His decision to leave has prompted praise from his soon-to-be former rivals.
Jake O’Brien impressed by Liverpool goalkeeper
Kelleher’s international teammate Jake O’Brien has admired the Irishman after the news of his imminent Anfield departure.
O’Brien, 24, has arrived with Kelleher in the Irish international squad ahead of friendlies against Senegal and Luxembourg.
The Everton defender signed from Lyon last summer for £17m and helped the Toffees survive in the Premier League after a rise in form after Christmas under David Moyes.
Speaking to international media, O’Brien said: “It doesn’t take for me to say how good he is. I think everyone knows how good he is and what he’s achieved over the last couple of years.
“If it goes through, it’s a great move for him, to become a number one in the Premier League.”
On Kelleher being one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League, the Everton defender said: “It’s a difficult one because he is number two at Liverpool, but he’s obviously got a really good keeper ahead of him.
“He’s definitely up there with the best keepers in the Premier League, and I think next year he’ll show that he’s up there with the best.”
Giorgi Mamardashvili is the future between Liverpool’s sticks
With Kelleher departing Anfield, the future of Liverpool’s number one jersey has become much clearer.
The Irishman had long been touted as succeeding Alisson once the Brazilian moved on, but he is unwilling to wait as his career progresses quickly.
Thus, the role of the Reds’ next long-term goalkeeper has been given to new signing Giorgi Mamardashvili.
The 24-year-old Georgian signed from Valencia last summer for £29.3m before returning to Spain on loan for the 2024/25 season.
Mamardashvili has confirmed that he will remain at Anfield next season as he looks to challenge Alisson for the starting role.
Liverpool have already signed Jeremie Frimpong on a five-year deal, while also looking to secure Milos Kerkez’s and Florian Wirtz’s services to build a young core to develop under Arne Slot.
Should these signings occur, the Reds’ future is in safe hands, even without Kelleher’s services.