Premier League: What is next for Caoimhin Kelleher?

With the weekends ticking by, Liverpool are edging ever closer to claiming their 20th top-flight title, with the situation possibly resolving itself tomorrow, should the Mesrseysiders manage to get the better of or even draw with Spurs at Anfield in the evening game.

With the title almost wrapped up, the attention of fans and punters alike have understandably drifted to speculating on the comings and goings in the team for next season. The frenetic conjecture regarding whether Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk would stay at Anfield or depart for richer pastures bubbled under the surface for three quarters of the season, ending rather anticlimactically when both men signed contract extensions last week without too much fanfare in the end. The next most prominent issue for debate lands firmly in the belief that Trent Alexander Arnold will be heading to Real Madrid, his winner against Leicester City last weekend did have the feeling of a farewell gift to the travelling Kop. Not so clear cut are the comings and goings of other team-mates as manager Arne Slot adds his own input on the team he inherited, that is now almost certain to be the Premier League’s defending champions next season.

Of course, for Leeside Liverpool followers, the attention has always been on one of our own, the Liverpool ‘No 2’ Caoimhin Kelleher. The Blackrock native has had another extraordinarily year for the Reds, already equalling his most Premier League appearance record of last season and has contributed heavily with Liverpool’s title bid along with the side’s drive to the Carabao Cup final and Champions League run, claiming 10 clean sheets in the 20 first team appearances he’s made so far this season.

While the Corkman has remained in the shadow of Liverpool’s first choice Alison Becker, he has nonetheless proven himself very useful on countless occasions to Slot and his predecessor Jurgen Klopp.

Becker is ittedly one of the best, if not best, keepers in the world making it difficult for any understudy to make an impact in the position. However, the Brazilian’s proclivity to pick up injuries means that Kelleher has had the opportunity to pick up unexpected game-time, especially in the past two seasons where he’s made 40 Premier League appearances along with his four Champions League starts, he claimed this season. Grabbing headlines and some notice for his performances.

Too good to stay

Despite this success, the narrative around the Corkman is that a goalkeeper of his calibre needs to go to another club to lead the line as a first team keeper. And with Liverpool spending £25m on Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia for the 2025-2026 season, the writing seems to be on the wall for Kelleher’s time at Anfield. Adding to that pressure is the belief that Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrímsson is determined to select players for the national squad who are getting regular first team appearances with their club.

At a personal level, Kelleher may also be hungry to seek the development in his career from being the ‘No 1’ at a Premier League club, not only in game time but also in pay. At Liverpool he is one of the lowest paid first team players in the squad, believed to be £10,000 a week. Not a bad wage, but far from the remuneration of Becker on £150,000 a week or Salah’s £350,000 a week (before the new contract), despite Kelleher putting in season-defining performances for the club this term, most notably the 2-0 wins against reigning Premier and Champions League champions Man City and Real Madrid in the space of a week, it still looks like Kelleher would be better served by an exit to another club.

Options

Kelleher’s efforts have brought him plenty attention, with clubs from Celtic to Bournemouth among those mentioned seeking his signature.

Former Liverpool keeper David James suggested this week that Manchester City might be a good place for Kelleher to go to. Beyond the big money he’d likely garner from such a move, it would not be seen as a popular move among Liverpool fans and the club. This move may more reflect David James’ own career path than any realistic departure down the M62.

Unlike James, Manchester United legend Teddy Sheringham has urged Kelleher to steer clear of Old Trafford, rather than replace Onana at a currently faltering United.

A more solid suggestion comes from West Ham and the reported offer of £20m from the Hammers. A move to the Hammers promises him a leading-the-line role on the field and the promise of an exciting lifestyle of living in London.

There is also a strong suggestion that Bournemouth are interested in the Cork keeper as part of a possible deal between the Cherries and Anfield, that would see Kelleher and maybe midfield dynamo Harvey Elliot included in the price for Liverpool to get the services of their defenders; left back Milos Kerkez and centre half Dean Huijsen.

Newly promoted Leeds United may also coming knocking on the Corkman’s door. Manager Daniel Franke seems to not be too confident with Leeds’ current shot stopper Illan Meslier.

Glory days

It seems likely now that the former Ringmahon Rangers man will be making a big move next season which would also mean a welcome financial windfall for his boyhood club. Yet there is also the chance that Kelleher will stay at Anfield and renegotiate a new deal next season. This may be the least likely scenario, but we must what a successful and enjoyable run it must have been to play these last few years with this team and managers. And while he’s only played 67 senior games with Liverpool, he is now one of the most decorated Irish players ever, with Premier League, Champions League, World, FA, and Carabao Cup medals in his pocket.

Whatever the decision, the exciting progress will hopefully continue for Caoimhin both at club and international level.