Caoimhín Kelleher was shown the bench once again despite promising performances as Alisson Becker returned to the Liverpool starting XI earlier this week.
And duly, former players and current pundits are urging the goalkeeper to do what he needs to do for the sake of his career.
Paul Robinson advises Caoimhín Kelleher to leave Liverpool
Paul Robinson advises Caoimhín Kelleher to leave Liverpool.
Kelleher has been an excellent understuidy to Alisson Becker. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)
In a recent appearance on the BBC Radio 5 Live’s Football Daily podcast, former Premier League goalkeeper Paul Robinson advised Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher to leave the club for regular game time.
“It is tough on Kelleher because he always does extremely well when he comes in and he would play at a lot of other clubs. But when you’ve got one of the world’s best in Alisson, you can see the effect he has on games.
“Top clubs often have two goalkeepers and it takes a different mental strength to know your second choice. I think it is time for Kelleher to go and play first-team football. It is game time for him.”
Robinson, as quoted by Empire of the Kop.
The Reds’ first-choice goalkeeper, Alisson Becker, was in fine form upon his return between the sticks for his side’s Champions League game against Girona. His clean sheet secured Liverpool’s direct qualification to the Round of 16 of the European topflight.
The Brazil international’s return means it’s back to the bench for Kelleher, who now boasts 21 clean sheets for Liverpool in 59 appearances across all competitions in senior football.
The 26-year-old Republic of Ireland international is currently valued by Transfermarkt at €20 million and has at Liverpool a £10,000-per-week contract running until June 2026.
A sound advice
Kelleher has enough performances in his resume to demand a first-team role at a Premier League side. Now 26, he’s no spring chicken either and needs more game time for the sake of his career at both club and international levels.
It’s not just the fact that there isn’t much to talk about when it comes to Liverpool willing to renew Kelleher’s current contract, which runs out in 2026. The Reds already have a new goalkeeper coming in in Giorgi Mamardashvili next summer, which only worsens Kelleher’s case.
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With a contract about to enter its last year and a younger goalkeeper on his way to the club, it’ll be best for both Liverpool and Kelleher to soon part ways.