“I’m not foolish,” a Liverpool player says of his wish to quit Anfield.
Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher has announced his intention to leave the club this summer to seek regular playing time.
Kelleher joined Liverpool in 2015 and has been a part of the senior squad since 2019, primarily serving as a backup to Alisson, which has limited him to only 47 career appearances.
Last season, Kelleher made 26 appearances due to Alisson’s injury struggles. He told The Athletic that he has no desire to spend another season as the second-choice goalkeeper.
“It was the first time in my career that I’d had a spell like that and I loved it,” he said. “I thrived on it. I’d been waiting for a moment like that. It was a massive opportunity for me to be Liverpool’s No 1 for that long.
“It was my time to show the level I believe I can perform at and the level people at the club think I’m able to play at. I proved that I’m good enough to play in the Premier League – I’m comfortable there. I’ve always had that belief in myself. Proving it to people was satisfying.”
“Playing against Man City at home was a significant experience for me due to the rivalry between our teams. You can’t find a more high-profile game in world football, and I felt I performed very well. It made me realize that I’m capable of playing at this level every week. I got a taste for it and now I want to do it consistently. My main goal is to become a No. 1 goalkeeper.
Kelleher confirmed that he plans to discuss his future with the incoming manager Arne Slot this summer.
“There will be some discussions over the coming weeks,” he said. “The club has been occupied with the manager’s departure and the appointment of a new one. With the new staff coming in, those talks will take place.”
Liverpool have been linked with a move for Feyenoord goalkeeper Justin Bijlow, who has recently expressed his interest in a summer transfer.