Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher is enjoying the busiest period of his career, but it looks like coming to an abrupt halt.
Arne Slot said Kelleher was ‘disappointed’ after a mistake in the 3-3 draw at Newcastle United, with the Liverpool goalkeeper at fault for a last-minute equaliser.
Kelleher was in line to play against Everton with first-choice Alisson still injured, but the Premier League clash at Goodison Park was postponed due to poor weather.
Alisson is, however, now back from injury, with the Brazilian having been named in the Champions League squad to take on Girona.
The Anfield number one has not played under Slot since suffering a hamstring injury against Crystal Palace in early October.
Caoimhin Kelleher of Liverpool reacts during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Liverpool FC at St James' Park on December 4,...
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Chris Sutton really impressed by Liverpool number two Caoimhin Kelleher
Kelleher has filled in during the seven Premier League matches and three Champions League matches since then, with Vitezslav Jaros featuring in the League Cup.
With Alisson now returning to action, Chris Sutton has shared his verdict on Kelleher’s future at the Anfield club.
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“I wonder with Kelleher, longer term, I think he’s established himself well enough now he won’t want to hang around next season anyway,” he said on The Monday Night Club.
“I think that he’s certainly proven himself, probably one of the best backup keepers, if not the best backup keeper I think I’ve ever seen in the Premier League and he won’t want to hang around at Liverpool next season I suspect.”
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Such a title could be bittersweet for Kelleher, who rather than being a backup would prefer to be a regular starter.
One certainty is that he has been superb between the sticks under Slot, with the Irishman coming to the rescue of the Reds on several occasions.
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A handful of other backup goalkeepers have made similar impressions in the Premier League over the years, but none have impressed quite as much as Kelleher.
But an Anfield exit is very much on the cards, which means the Republic of Ireland international can expect to become a number one elsewhere.
Age In squad Appearances Minutes played Goals conceded Clean sheets
Alisson 32 8 8 709 3 5
Caoimhin Kelleher 26 20 12 1,080 10 6
Vitezslav Jaros 23 16 2 101 2 1
2024/25 Liverpool goalkeeper stats
And that will be welcome news to his next club and the player himself, with both parties set to benefit massively from the situation.
Liverpool meanwhile should also benefit via a significant fee for Kelleher, which comes with the added bonus of boosting their financial fair play profile given that he is an academy graduate.
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