Caoimhin Kelleher has been backed to leave Liverpool this summer in order to secure regular first-team football, with Leeds United one of the clubs interested in signing him
Leeds United are one of the teams to be credited with a transfer interest in Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher(Image: Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Liverpool’s backup shot-stopper Caoimhin Kelleher has been greenlit for a sensational switch to Leeds United come this summer, with his national team gaffer explaining the move’s importance.
Leeds have had their sights set on the Republic of Ireland goalie for several months now. Rumours in March hinted that any deal for Kelleher hinged on Leeds’ ascension to the Premier League.
That ascent was clinched not long ago, with Leeds nabbing the Championship title on the season’s last day, adding a sweet finish to an already thrilling campaign. While the festivities might be in full swing, attention is swiftly shifting to gearing up for the top flight.
The spotlight has been on Illan Meslier and his tenure at Leeds, especially after a series of blunders this season led to him being benched for Karl Darlow during the final matches.
This suggests Leeds are on the hunt for a fresh first-choice keeper, and Kelleher, currently playing second fiddle to Alisson at Liverpool, has popped up as a prime candidate, reports Leeds Live.
Caoimhin Kelleher looks set to leave Anfield in the summer(Image: Offside via Getty Images)
Kelleher’s eagerness for more game time isn’t a secret, and his international manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has echoed this sentiment.
“I just want Caoimhin to go to a club where he will play. He has been playing at the highest level,” declared the Republic of Ireland chief to the Irish Echo.
“Champions League, Premier League, done really well. I just want him to be happy and play regularly. I don’t mind where he goes so long as he is playing on a regular basis, he is too good not to be playing.”
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The summer signing of Giorgi Mamardashvili at Liverpool could potentially push Kelleher further down the Anfield hierarchy. Consequently, a move away from the club in pursuit of first team football seems the most probable outcome.
Leeds may face competition for the player’s signature, with Newcastle and Bournemouth among others likely to be in the hunt for a new goalkeeper come summer.
As reported by Football Insider in February, Liverpool have slapped a hefty £40 million price tag on him.With only 12 months left on his contract, this figure could potentially decrease as the transfer window progresses.