Caoimhin Kelleher Unai Emery Aston Villa
(Credit: Imago/Getty Images)
Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent
Fri 23 May 2025 21:00, UK
Aston Villa’s pursuit of Caoimhin Kelleher has been given a significant boost by Liverpool going into the summer transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed what his sources have told him about Villa’s efforts to sign the wantaway goalkeeper.
Kelleher is high on Villa’s shortlist with Unai Emery on the hunt for a new number one this summer, after Football Insider revealed Emiliano Martinez has hired a ‘super-agent’ to speed up his exit from Villa Park.
The arrival of Giorgi Mamardashvili has left the Irishman on the fringes at Anfield, and sources have told Football Insider that Liverpool are “open to selling” Kelleher to Villa with one year left on his contract.
The 26-year-old is one of several names on Villa’s “wanted list” as they prepare to replace Martinez, and Football Insider sources have said that Kelleher could be the first goalkeeper they attempt to bring in.
Bournemouth target Caoimhin Kelleher
Villa will compete with the likes of Bournemouth to sign Kelleher (Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)
Aston Villa and Liverpool ready to sanction Kelleher transfer
Kelleher’s open availability this summer has already attracted several potential suitors, although Football Insider revealed in March that interested clubs will have to pay Liverpool £40million in order to sign him.
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Speaking on the new, Inside Track, O’Rourke said that this price tag hasn’t deterred Villa with Martinez likely on the way out for a similar figure, and Liverpool will be more than happy to make a deal happen.
“Kelleher will figure highly up on that wanted list at Aston Villa”, he told Football Insider.
“At this stage of his career, Kelleher – now 26 – will feel that he probably needs to move on for the good of his career, just to be playing regular first team football.
“Liverpool would be open to selling him this summer, and will accept the right offer, especially with the player entering the final year of his contract at Anfield.
“Villa will be looking at a number of goalkeepers I’m sure to replace Martinez, who will be leaving behind some big gloves to fill.”
Emi Martinez Aston Villa
Emiliano Martinez seems certain to leave Aston Villa this summer (Credit: Imago)
Emi Martinez exit leaves Aston Villa with huge transfer task
Emery has had the benefit of having one of the world’s best goalkeepers between the sticks at Villa Park since he took charge in late 2022, and Martinez’s clear push for a move away will leave a huge hole to fill.
The Argentine was tearful at the end of Villa’s final home game this season to further suggest that he’s on his way out, albeit Football Insider revealed on 19 May that Martinez could leave Villa for just £30m.
Such a fee would leave Villa with enough wriggle room to pursue a deal for Kelleher at Liverpool’s asking price, but amid expected competition from the likes of Leeds United and Bournemouth, the Lions’ move for the Irishman won’t be so straight-forward.
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