Caoimhin Kelleher has been one of Liverpool’s best players in recent weeks, which was way it was a surprise to see Arne Slot drop the goalkeeper for Alisson Becker.
The Brazil international returned to the squad having missed the last 11 games through injury with Kelleher deputising for Alisson in the meantime, with the 26-year-old Cork-born shot-stopper flourishing between the sticks.
Although Kelleher was left fuming after making a mistake against Newcastle United, the Republic of Ireland international had been sensational during Alisson’s time out injured, with a clean sheet and penalty save against Real Madrid the clear highlight.
Yet Irish football legend Shay Given has now shared what he thinks Kelleher is now contemplating having been dropped from Liverpool’s starting XI.
Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher participates in the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Liverpool at St. James's Park in Newca...
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Given urges Kelleher to leave Liverpool after being dropped
Speaking on Premier Sports, the pundit strongly urged Kelleher to leave Liverpool having been dropped by Slot for last night’s game against Girona, with the Ireland international clearly second-choice regardless of his form.
With a reported asking price of £30m, Kelleher could be more tempted than ever to leave Liverpool when the January transfer window opens next month, and Given seemingly supports the decision if the Reds were to allow it to happen.
READ MORE:Everything to know on Liverpool’s Alisson Becker from his wife to net worth
Given said when asked about Kelleher being dropped: “Caoimhin is going to be thinking: ‘It doesn’t matter what I do,’ because the last spell of games he has been absolutely brilliant. He had one mistake at Newcastle, but he has been absolutely phenomenal.
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“He can do no more to get in that team and the manager puts Alisson back in and after the game backs it up with him saying: ‘He’s best goalkeeper in the world.’ It is frustrating for Kelleher. I would be headbutting the plane on the way home thinking: ‘What do I need to do?’ Well, I know what he needs to do, get out of the club.”
Caoimhin Kelleher of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Aston Villa FC at Anfield on November 9, 2024 in Liverpool,...
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Kelleher could push for January move after being dropped by Liverpool
Kelleher has shown in recent weeks that he’s not only the best backup keeper in the Premier League but also one of the best in England full stop, with the 26-year-old nothing short of remarkable for Liverpool with Alisson out injured.
Yet having been dropped at the earliest possible moment by Slot, there’s a real chance that Kelleher could now push for a January transfer, with clubs no doubt interested in the 26-year-old keeper after such an impressive run of form.
Indeed, Kelleher is way too good to be sat on the bench for the remainder of the season, and this year has shown that the Ireland international will not be the no. 1 at Liverpool unless Alisson is still around, something that could well be the case for a few more years.
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