Caoimhin Kelleher has completed a move to Brentford from Liverpool this week after the Irishman was linked with a move to Leeds United – and now he has explained his decision.
Kelleher had had enough of playing back-up to Alisson at Liverpool and Leeds had made an enquiry to land Kelleher this summer. But, Brentford pounced on the weekend to sign Kelleher for an £18m fee.
It comes after Bayer Leverkusen struck a deal to sign Mark Flekken, leaving Thomas Frank’s side in need of a goalkeeper this summer. Brentford have formed a good connection with Liverpool over the years.
Leeds fans were left stunned that Brentford have managed to get Kelleher so cheap, with Brentford paying a bargain initial fee of just £12.5m. Now, Kelleher has explained his decision to choose The Bees.
Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images
Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images
Caoimhin Kelleher explains decision to join Brentford
When Leeds earned promotion, there was a feeling that The Whites would open up a bigger calibre or pool of player that they could attract. But, the gap between the Premier League and Championship is big.
It’s getting bigger, too. In the last two seasons, all three promoted sides have been instantly relegated. Players look at promoted clubs now and are concerned that they will simply go straight back down.
Kelleher was never going to admit that was the reason he ignored Leeds. But, he told Brentford’s site that having met with Frank at Brentford, he felt the West London side was the perfect fit for his next club.
“I came down to meet the manager and some of the coaches. They spoke to me about why they wanted me to be here and showed me around the training ground,” Kelleher told Brentford’s website this week.
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“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,” Kelleher continued.
Where will Leeds now turn in pursuit of a new goalkeeper…
Not long after Brentford had struck a deal to sign Kelleher, Leeds were being linked with Newcastle’s Nick Pope. A move for Pope hinges on Newcastle doing a deal for Burnley’s England stopper James Trafford.
Then, it emerged that Sam Johnstone would be keen on a move to Leeds with Wolves requesting a fee of £8m. Whether Leeds do go after Johnstone remains to be seen, but fans would be left underwhelmed.
LeedsUnited.News have been told that Leeds are interested in Santos goalkeeper Gabriel Brazao this summer, who has enjoyed a brilliant spell with Neymar’s side since leaving Inter Milan in February 2024.