Key Liverpool star reportedly requests a surprising contract termination and submits a transfer request, according to reports.
A Liverpool player has voiced his frustrations over his uncertain future following the club’s recent transfer activities, sparking concerns about his long-term role at Anfield. This discontent comes after a relatively quiet summer transfer window for Liverpool, in which they secured only two new signings. Federico Chiesa arrived from Juventus in a deal potentially worth £12.5 million, and Giorgi Mamardashvili, a Georgian goalkeeper, was signed from Valencia.
However, Mamardashvili will stay at Valencia for the 2024/25 season before joining Liverpool in the 2025/26 campaign. While this signing is viewed as a strategic move for the future, it has reportedly left Liverpool’s current backup goalkeeper, Caoimhin Kelleher, increasingly frustrated.
Kelleher, who has been Alisson Becker’s understudy for several seasons, is reportedly unhappy with the club’s decision to bring in another goalkeeper, as it casts doubt on his chances of becoming Liverpool’s first-choice keeper. His frustration stems from a desire for regular first-team football, which he feels has been elusive. The signing of Mamardashvili further complicates his path to regular playing time, prompting Kelleher to question the club’s direction.
Speaking ahead of Ireland’s Nations League match against Greece, Kelleher openly expressed his dissatisfaction and ambitions. He reiterated his desire to be a number one goalkeeper and to play consistently, something he believes he has earned. “I’ve been clear over the past few years that I want to be a number one and play consistently,” Kelleher said, hinting at his growing impatience.
The 25-year-old also suggested that Liverpool’s decision to sign another goalkeeper indicates a shift in the club’s plans, one that may not include him in a prominent role. “The club’s decision to bring in another goalkeeper seems to indicate they are heading in a different direction,” he added.
Additionally, Kelleher addressed the misconception that he has full control over his future. Despite speculation, he clarified that it’s not as simple as many believe. “It’s been reported that Liverpool have turned down a few offers for me,” he noted, highlighting the complexity of his situation. Nevertheless, his ambition remains unchanged: “My ambition is clear: I believe I’m good enough, and I want to go out and prove it,” he affirmed.
Since debuting for Liverpool in the 2019/20 season, Kelleher has made 47 appearances for the club. Despite his potential, his path to regular first-team action has been blocked, first by Alisson and now by the impending arrival of Mamardashvili. This uncertainty appears to have reached a tipping point, with Kelleher now speaking more candidly about his frustrations.
His concerns are heightened by his ambitions at the international level, as he recently started for Ireland in their Nations League loss to England. With increasing aspirations for his national team, his limited playing time at the club level only adds to his frustration and desire for clarity.
As Kelleher’s future with Liverpool remains uncertain, the club’s handling of the situation could have significant consequences. If Liverpool continues to keep him on the fringes of the squad, Kelleher may have to seek a new opportunity elsewhere to fulfill his ambitions of becoming a first-team regular. For now, the frustration continues to mount as he awaits clarity on his future.