With Brazilian goalkeeper Allison Becker out for more than a few months due to injury, Irish goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher has lived up to expectations with outstanding performances.
In addition to his calm and composed playing style, he has excellent leaping and footwork skills from the penalty area. However, he remains second best. When Allison returns, he is likely to vacate his position.
He has been a reserve goalkeeper for the team in the past, but several Premier League clubs were looking to acquire the player in last summer’s transfer window.
Nottingham Forest made an offer this winter, which was turned down by Liverpool, and the 25-year-old goalkeeper reflected on the events of last summer, saying that although he had to stay, the decision was the right one.
“It couldn’t have worked out much better, to be fair,”
“I’ve obviously had a lot of games this season, so the decision to stay was probably the right one.”
“There were obviously discussions (last summer) because I wanted to play as much as I can. It was clear that because of the circumstances I was in, that I had to stay. Obviously I got this big opportunity, which can always happen. The manager did say that anything can happen like that.”
“It was very unfortunate the Ali picked up an injury but on the other side it’s been an opportunity for me to get more games.”
Liverpool Echo
He also helped win the Carabao Cup and has now played more than 10 Premier League games this season. He is expected to defend the goalmouth for some time to come and is expected to play an active role in the domestic league championship.
However, a number of clubs have shown interest in the Irish goalkeeper, including Celtic. His recent success has seen his transfer fee skyrocket, and he could be a battleground player in this summer’s transfer market.
When asked about leaving the club at the end of the season, the goalkeeper said he is not thinking about his future at the moment. He also said that he is giving his all to the game in front of him and is only thinking about improving his own performances.
“To be fair, I have not thought much about it,”
“There are so many important games coming up that if I took my mind off those, I think I can’t afford to do it.”
“I’ve just been focusing on what I’m doing, trying to do well, and we’ll see what happens.”
Liverpool Echo