“Obviously I’d rather be playing.”
Caoimhin Kelleher looks set to leave Liverpool, and where he goes next is hugely important not just for his career, but for the Republic of Ireland as well.
The Irishman has enjoyed a successful time at the Reds despite being rooted as the number two behind Alisson Becker.
Kelleher has been the hero in penalty shoot outs and was even the starting number one in the Carabao Cup final, where his heroics clinched the trophy for Klopp’s side.
However, as the clock continues to tick, it’s becoming more and more important that the Cork native starts to get regular first team football, especially if he wants to be Ireland’s main man in nets.
According to Jacque Talbot, a football transfer specialist, Kelleher is one of a number of Liverpool players who will be allowed to leave the club at the end of the season.
Joel Matip, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, James Milner, Nat Phillips and several others are all linked heavily with the exit door too in order to raise funds for new signings, and the young keeper falls under that category as well.
Speaking earlier this year, Kelleher said for the first time that he would rather be playing, seemingly setting the wheels in motion for a move away.
“I am quite relaxed, so I don’t mind watching, but obviously I’d rather be playing, but I just try to be as focused as I can be when I watch so I am ready if I am needed.
“Listen, I think we’ve obviously only just come back into the middle of the season. So we’ll just see what the season brings and then after that we’ll see, we’ll see what happens after that. But I think at the moment, for now, I just have to be focused on trying to be ready for Liverpool.”
Where to next for Caoimhin Kelleher?
With his ambitious hat on, it’s expected that Kelleher would ideally like to stay in the Premier League, and there are some big clubs who are in need of a pair of safe hands.
Tottenham Hotspur are probably going to cut their losses with Hugo Lloris at this stage – the France international has been a loyal servant to the club, but it’s looking like his days in London are numbered.
Kelleher could provide extra cover here as a number two to start with and potentially push the ageing shot stopper out of the team, something that is less likely at Liverpool with Alisson still in his prime.
A more likely chance to get regular first team football would be at Leicester City, who have been struggling to replace Kasper Schmeichel.
Although not likely to be relegated, Brendan Rodgers’ side have been struggling and are in dire need of fresh faces, so Kelleher could be the perfect man for the job.
The best option could be to move to a Championship side who have the potential of getting promoted; that way he could get some valuable experience in the second division and establish himself as a proper number one.
Michael Carrick’s Middlesbrough have been very impressive this year, and look set to get a play-off place at least, but have conceded more goals than any other team in the top 10, so the English manager may be looking to spruce up his defence, and find a new keeper.
Related links:
- Liverpool reportedly selling Caoimhin Kelleher for Jude Bellingham funds
- Robbie Keane believes that Caoimhin Kelleher could eventually become Liverpool’s number one
- Jurgen Klopp not happy with Ireland after Caoimhin Kelleher injury set-back
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