Caoimhin Kelleher has admitted it wasn't a difficult decision for him to leave Liverpool, with the goalkeeper's move to Brentford having now been confirmed.
The 26-year-old has made the move to London on a five-year deal, with Brentford also holding the option to extend his contract by a further 12 months. The move was confirmed on Tuesday, with Kelleher bringing an end to his 10-year association with Liverpool, having joined the club's academy as a teenager.
The Reds are set to receive an initial $16.9 million, a fee which could rise to around $24M with add-ons which are understood to relate to appearances.
Kelleher's exit has been a long time coming, with the Irishman having made no secret of his desire to leave in the past in order to become a No.1.
That path was blocked by Alisson Becker at Anfield, although Kelleher did get his fair share of minutes, having made 67 senior appearances for Liverpool, including starts in the 2022, 2024 and 2025 Carabao Cup finals.
Reflecting on his exit from Anfield and his arrival at Brentford, Kelleher told his new club: “I’m buzzing, I’m really happy to be here.
“I don’t think it was very difficult for me to leave [Liverpool]. I felt for my own career that the time was right for me to go, to be a no.1 and to play every week.
Goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher during the Carabao Cup final at Wembley
Caoimhin Kelleher leaves Liverpool after 10 years with the club (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
“I heard of some interest a number of weeks ago. Once I knew Brentford was in for me, it was definitely one I was really excited about and wanted to do as quickly as possible.
“When I come back for pre-season, all focus will be on what I want to do next year; to work on certain goals and what I need to improve on, and to have a really good season for Brentford."
Kelleher's move comes after Liverpool agreed a deal to sign Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia last year, with the Georgia international set to complete his switch to Merseyside this summer.
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With Alisson still in place as Liverpool's No.1, that would have likely seen Kelleher pushed further down the pecking order, although with Mark Flekken leaving Brentford for Bayer Leverkusen, the Republic of Ireland international is expected to become first-choice for Thomas Frank's side.
“I came down to meet the manager and some of the coaches," Kelleher continued.
"They spoke to me about why they wanted me to be here and showed me around the training ground.
“It was interesting to see their point of view on why they wanted to sign me and how they think they can develop my game. It was impressive and I think the club’s a really good fit for me.