Caoimhín Kelleher could be back playing with one of his Ireland teammates this summer, as Premier League side Brentford is set to enter the market for a goalkeeper. With Liverpool bringing Giorgi Mamardashvili to Anfield this summer, Caoimhin Kelleher's 10-year spell at the club is set to come to an end.
And the Corkman's name has been connected with the Bees, the Irish Mirror reports, and Kelleher is keen to nail down regular first-team football. And a move to Brentford would mean he'd be back on the pitch with Ireland teammate Nathan Collins, who plays centre-half for Thomas Frank's side and was the only outfield player to play every minute of the Premier League campaign.
Ireland's Caoimhin Kelleher and Nathan Collins at the Aviva Stadium in 2024
The Bees are fearful of losing Mark Flekken to Bayer Leverkusen, now that former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has taken over at the Bundesliga side. He is interested in bringing his fellow Dutchman to the BayArena - and Flekken is reportedly keen to make the move.
That would leave Thomas Frank in need of a top-class replacement, and Kelleher's name is reportedly being considered by the side, which finished 10th in the Premier League last season.
After Liverpool's final game of the season, Kelleher said: "I think I've said it before as well that I feel like I'm good enough to be a number one. I feel like I'm good enough to play week in, week out, and that's what I'm looking to do. This season I was lucky enough to play a lot of games, but it's definitely something I'm looking at."
Caoimhin Kelleher celebrates with Liverpool team-mates
Caoimhin Kelleher recently celebrated winning the Premier League title (Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Kelleher made 10 Premier League appearances for the Reds during their title-winning campaign and played 10 more games between the Champions League, FA Cup, and League Cup. Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrímsson recently called on the goalkeeper to secure regular football.
With Gavin Bazunu's injury woes, Kelleher has emerged as Ireland's undisputed number one during the Icelandic manager's reign. As he announced his squad for the friendlies against Senegal and Luxembourg, Hallgrímsson said: "I just want him to go to a club where he will play on a regular basis."
"I'm not so bothered where he goes because he showed everyone he can play at the highest level of the Champions League and Premier League. Sometimes, goalkeepers and centre-backs, if they are playing at a lower league level they have a lot to do and keep busy.
"I know he wants to be playing at the highest level, and he's spoken about that as well. I know that and I guess - I don't know for sure - he will be playing at the highest level."
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