Arne Slot could lose a key squad member in the summer. (Image: Getty)
goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher reportedly wants to leave the club this summer to play regular first-team football. The Irishman has featured in 14 games this season, most notably in the 2-0 win over as he saved Kylian Mbappe’s penalty.
But despite his assured performances, Kelleher was axed from the starting XI when Alisson returned from an injury lay-off last month.
Since the Brazilian became available again, Kelleher has played just once, in an tie against Accrington Stanley.
And with having made it clear who his No.1 choice is, the 26-year-old is set to fall further down the pecking order this summer. Georgian keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili has already been signed by , who agreed a £25million deal with Valencia in August.
However, part of the terms of the deal was that he would play for the La Liga side until the end of the 2024/25 campaign. But his summer arrival is likely to relegate Kelleher to third-choice at the club.
And according to The Times, the two-time winner will now look to move elsewhere at the end of the season. His current contract runs until 2026, meaning the Merseyside club do risk losing him on a free transfer next year if he stays beyond the summer.
Caoimhin Kelleher has played 14 times this season. (Image: Getty)
Kelleher’s stance is unlikely to come as a surprise. In September, amid speculation that had rejected bids for him from other clubs.
“It’s not always in my hands to fully make the decision (to leave),” he said. “But my ambition is clear. I’m good enough and I want to go and play week in, week out.”
Despite Slot’s apparent preference for Alisson, the Dutch boss will undoubtedly be losing a reliable performer if Kelleher does leave . He’s notched seven clean sheets this season, and only in the 3-3 draw at before Christmas have there been question marks over his display.
He misjudged a late free-kick which allowed Fabian Schar to level for the hosts late on, but afterwards Slot was quick to defend his player. “Unfortunately for Caoimhin, in that position if you make a mistake as a goalkeeper, it is very difficult for someone else to cover it up for you,” he said.
“He’s done that a few times for us – he’s been there to help us when a player makes a mistake. But he can go into the next game with a lot of confidence, let that be clear.”