Ibrahima Konate, Caoimhin Kelleher, Virgil van Dijk and Arne Slot, Manger of Liverpool, line up with their mascots prior to the Carabao Cup Final between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Wembley Stadium on March 16, 2025 in London, England.Ibrahima Konate, Caoimhin Kelleher, Virgil van Dijk and Arne Slot, Manger of Liverpool, line up with their mascots prior to the Carabao Cup Final between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Wembley Stadium on March 16, 2025 in London, England.
Ibrahima Konate, Caoimhin Kelleher, Virgil van Dijk and Arne Slot, Manger of Liverpool, line up with their mascots prior to the Carabao Cup Final between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Wembley Stadium on March 16, 2025 in London, England. | Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Liverpool are set to overhaul their squad this summer as they aim to retain the Premier League title
Aston Villa have been told to enter the race for Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher but will face competition from Premier League rivals to sign the Republic of Ireland.
Potential Villa interest would come as a surprise given they have a firm first-choice between the sticks in Emi Martinez. The 2022 World Cup winner signed a new deal until 2029 just last summer but is now being linked with a move away from the club. He was emotional on Friday night as Villa beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 in their final home game of the campaign.
Addressing the player’s emotions, Fabrizio Romano said: “Martínez, emotional, as this could be his last appearance at Aston Villa — not sure yet but a possibility ahead of summer window. Understand Saudi Pro League clubs have approached Martínez in the recent weeks.”
Aston Villa ‘should’ eye move for Caoimhin Kelleher
Last summer, Liverpool made the move to sign Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia in a deal worth up to £29m with the stopper set to arrive on Merseyside in July.
Speaking in September shortly after that deal was announced, Kelleher said: "I've made it clear in the last few years that I want to go and be a number one and play week in, week out. The club's made that decision to get another goalkeeper and from the outside looking in, it looks like they've made a decision to go in a different direction."
Kelleher is linked with a move to some top Premier League clubs but if Martinez does leave Villa, he could secure a move to a top-level Premier League side where he would likely be first choice.
Liverpool will not want to lose Caoimhin Kelleher - but he deserves regular football
Speaking earlier this season when Kelleher made six saves and kept a clean sheet in a Champions League win over RB Leipzig, former Reds star Steve McManaman said: "It's almost disrespectful calling him a number two, because of course, he does play second in command when Alisson is fit, but he's played too many games now to be associated as one. He's an outstanding goalkeeper, outstanding when called upon."
Kelleher is reportedly unwilling to sign a new deal at Anfield and with just over 12 months to run on his contract, Liverpool will need to sell him this summer or risk losing him on a free transfer. The club will not want to lose him but his performances over the past few campaigns has warranted a shot at a number one spot - whether that is with the Reds or at a Premier League rival.
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