Manchester United hero reacts as Liverpool transfer deal agreed
Caoimhín Kelleher’s departure from Liverpool has been confirmed after six years at the club.
Kelleher has left Anfield in search of first-team football after deputising for Alisson over the past three seasons.
The goalkeeper has joined Brentford in a deal worth £12.5 million, which could rise to £18 million with add-ons.
The Republic of Ireland international has signed a five-year deal at the Gtech Community Stadium, with a club option for an additional year.
Anfield exit ‘not an easy thing to do’
Former Manchester United defender John O’Shea has given his thoughts on the goalkeeper’s move to the Bees.
O’Shea praised the Irishman’s decision to leave Liverpool while also commenting on how well he has performed when asked to step up.
Speaking to the 42.ie (3 June), he said, “It’s not an easy thing for him to do.
He’s proven the quality that he has every time he’s been asked to go in as the number one for Liverpool, the run of games that he’s shown, that he’s been able to show the consistency that he’s shown when he’s had a run, that they haven’t missed Alisson when he has been injured.”
Kelleher recently travelled to London to complete his Brentford move, but has now returned to the Republic of Ireland set-up.
O’Shea, who is now part of the Irish coaching staff, added that it is vital that Kelleher is playing consistent games.
“He’s obviously at a very good club, has had success, and whatever happens next, hopefully he’s playing. It’s as simple as that.”
The 44-year-old, who made over 250 appearances for the Red Devils, was not the only international colleague who spoke glowingly about the former Liverpool man.
Everton defender Jake O’Brien was also full of praise for Kelleher ahead of Ireland’s upcoming friendlies against Senegal and Luxembourg.
Liverpool braced for more departures
Arne Slot is preparing for a busy summer transfer window, with more players reportedly heading for the exit door.
Liverpool will look to bolster the squad that won the Premier League, which means some of the current squad will be departing.
Harvey Elliott and Jarrell Quansah could both be sold as part of the deal to sign Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen.
Luiz Diaz is another player who looks to be on his way out, with a move to Barcelona seemingly edging closer.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has already left the club, as the champions’ squad takes shape for next season’s title defence.