Brentford manager Keith Andrews has made his stance clear on any potential move for Caoimhin Kelleher, jokingly telling Liverpool they have no chance of re-signing him.
There have been no reports of Liverpool targeting a return for Kelleher, but the goalkeeper’s new coach has made sure they don’t even consider it!
On Sky Sports, Jamie Carragher asked Andrews about the impact of their £18 million signing.
The Brentford boss was quick to reply: “Yeah, you’re not getting him back, that’s for sure, so don’t start that one!”
As one of four former Liverpool players in the Bees’ squad, Kelleher has enjoyed a relatively successful start to life away from Merseyside.
LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, February 25, 2024: Liverpool's goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher (L) and Conor Bradley celebrate after the Football League Cup Final match between Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC at Wembley Stadium. (Photo by Peter Powell/Propaganda)
Having been predicted to struggle following the exit of previous coach Thomas Frank, Brentford have outperformed expectations and sit just two points behind sixth-place Brighton.
Despite losing 2-1 to Man United on Monday, Andrews spoke glowingly about his goalkeeping compatriot, saying: “He’s been exceptional.
“I’ve known him a long time, coaching with the Irish under-21s and the senior team.
“I’ve known all about his qualities and how much he needed, I suppose, to take that step into first choice territory.
“So for us, it was a no-brainer last year when he became available and I did feel genuinely, for him, it would be a good move.
“And he’s been outstanding. He’s gone from strength to strength as the season’s gone on.”
Caoimhin Kelleher reflects on season after Diogo Jota’s death
LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, February 27, 2022: Liverpool players dance as they celebrate after the Football League Cup Final match between Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC at Wembley Stadium. Liverpool won 11-10 on penalties after a goal-less draw. Diogo Jota, goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, Naby Keita, Fabio Henrique Tavares 'Fabinho', Ibrahima Konaté, Andy Robertson. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
As a man who came through the academy and won two League Cups for Liverpool, Kelleher was a popular figure among the fanbase.
With time, he became a dependable second choice and eventually outgrew the role. Alisson‘s departure didn’t come soon enough for him to take up the No. 1 shirt at Liverpool, though, so he left for regular gametime.
Among the teammates he was closest to at Anfield was Diogo Jota. The 27-year-old attended Jota’s wedding just two weeks before his death.
Speaking to the Athletic, Kelleher said: “For Liverpool, I don’t think it’s a season about football really, for me.
EINDHOVEN, NETHERLANDS - Wednesday, January 29, 2025: Liverpool's goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher during the pre-match warm-up before the UEFA Champions League Matchday 8 game between PSV Eindhoven and Liverpool FC at the Philips Stadion. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“Of course it is, but I think the situation, what happened, it’s a massive shock to everyone. You’re going through a lot of grief, a lot of different emotions.
“It’s not easy for those players to play at the highest level and be going through that as well. It’s been a tough season for them.”
Kelleher would be welcomed back at Liverpool with open arms, but that currently looks like it will only ever be as an opposition player.