Republic of Ireland international Caoimhín Kelleher is set to move to the English capital after Liverpool and Brentford agreed a deal to bring him to London.
The Cork native joined the Reds academy from Ringmahon Rangers back in 2015. It has been reported by the Irish Examiner that Rangers will receive up to 20% of the fee agreed by Liverpool and Brentford.
The fee in question is reported to be £12.5 million. But that could rise to £18 million with add-ons included.
Since joining, he has made himself an excellent backup option to Alisson Becker. Quickly making himself a fan favourite with the Anfield faithful, impressing with a number of memorable performances.
Jurgen Klopp put his faith in the Irishman and he was repaid in silverware by Kelleher. His most memorable moment in a Liverpool shirt was undoubtedly his performance in the 2022 League Cup final.
The Corkman was the spot-kick hero, lashing the winning penalty home to send the fans of the Reds wild. He repeated his cup final heroics two years later, keeping a clean sheet as Liverpool beat Chelsea in the final again. The 2024 triumph would be Liverpool’s 10th League Cup title.
Kelleher has played in 25 Premier League games for Liverpool since making his debut five years ago. He stepped up when Alisson was injured in the 24-25 season. Putting in some key performances to help Liverpool claim a 20th English top-flight title.
He has also played in more than 40 cup games for the club. He has won one Premier League title, the Champions League, the FA Cup, two League Cups and a UEFA Super Cup in his time at Anfield.
Liverpool fans react to Caoimhín Kelleher departure
News of his imminent departure has been met by Liverpool fans singing his praises on social media. On X, the Anfield Wrap called Kelleher ‘the greatest number two we ever had.’
The greatest number two we’ve ever had, he leaves having played a big part in Liverpool winning cups and a league title.
Caoimhin Kelleher ❤️ pic.twitter.com/ap1p5Q7jP9
— The Anfield Wrap (@TheAnfieldWrap) June 1, 2025
The 26- year old needs this move away from Anfield to really kick start his career. He is too good to play second fiddle and deserves to be first choice at a Premier League club.
With Kelleher’s calibre it is no surprise a top-flight club has finally made a move to make him their number one.
Current Brentford number one Mark Flekken is heading to German side Bayer Leverkusen. But news of Kelleher heading to London will excite Bees fans, who will be looking to kick on from their successful 2024-2025 campaign.
With 22 caps for the Republic of Ireland, becoming first choice a top-flight club will ensure that he remains a permanent fixture in Heimir Hallgrímsson’s plans.
It’s been a long time coming for the Irish stopper. But now Kelleher finally has the chance to achieve his dream of being a regular starter. His time at Brentford could be the start of something special.