Aston Villa have been linked with a transfer for Liverpool back-up Caoimhin Kelleher as speculation swirls around Emi Martinez's future
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Caoimhin Kelleher reacts during the UEFA Champions League, league phase day 8, football match between PSV Eindhoven (NED) and Liverpool FC (ENG) at the the Philips Stadion, in Eindhoven, on January 29, 2025.
Caoimhin Kelleher is a long-term back up at Liverpool(Image: NICOLAS TUCAT/AFP via Getty Images)
Giorgi Mamardashvili has no intention of spending next season anywhere other than Liverpool.
The Georgian goalkeeper spent the last four seasons with Valencia but in August last year it was announced he will be moving to Anfield for a fee of £29m this summer.
With Alisson Becker long-established as first choice, and Aston Villa-linked Caoimhin Kelleher arguably one of the most able back-ups in the Premier League, it has been suggested Mamardashvili might spend his first season in Red away from his new parent club.
However, he is quoted by Fabrizio Romano as utterly dismissing that prospect, saying: “I’m not considering another loan move. I will spend next season at Liverpool. I’ll go to Liverpool and give my all, just like I did at Valencia. I’ll work hard every single day, training with Alisson will help me.”
That seemingly makes Kelleher’s situation both more difficult and clear, with the Irishman having already stated his desire for first team football.
The 26-year-old has started just 20 Premier League matches in the last two campaigns, and in October told The Telegraph : “I was quite clear [last summer] that I wanted to play first-team football, whether that was here or elsewhere. I wanted to be a No 1... I’ve played a lot of games now as well and shown my level. The next step for me is to be playing week in, week out and every week.”
Kelleher did indeed have interest last summer but probably not quite as much as he will 12 months on with Villa said to be interested amid much speculation around their own goalkeeping situation.
Emi Martinez has been linked with clubs in Spain and the Premier League – as well as Saudi Arabia – and Unai Emery has hardly put out fires lit by the Argentine’s tearful reaction after the final whistle in the final home game last week.
Robin Olsen is leaving this summer and Villa have been extensively linked with Espanyol’s Joan Garcia – but Mamardashvili’s insistence he is staying at Liverpool could see Kelleher become a genuine option.
Would you be happy with a move for Kelleher? Have your say here
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