Caoimhin Kelleher gets final Liverpool transfer answer after Arne Slot statement

Caoimhin Kelleher has been unsuccessful with recent transfer requests.
-Credit: (Image: Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)


Goalkeepers are often labelled 'whacky' or 'crazy' for choosing the position they play, but they are required to be the most-resilient members of a football squad. While those first two adjectives don't apply to Caoimhin Kelleher, the latter certainly does.

Kelleher has been required to fill the boots of Alisson Becker, arguably the best No.1 in the world, when called upon and in the meantime has had to settle for warming the bench. Few can blame Kelleher for wanting to search for regular game-time.

The 25-year-old stepped up a gear when he was used amid Alisson's injury last term and will have attracted more attention this summer because of that. Usually measured with his words, Kelleher earlier this month opened up on his frustration at being unable to leave Liverpool before deadline day.

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"I made it clear in the last few years that I want to go somewhere and be a number one," he said during the international break. "It's been reported that Liverpool had rejected a few bids, as well.

"Like I said, it's not always in my hands to fully make that decision. My ambition is clear. I think I'm good enough. I want to go out and prove that and play week-in, week-out."

Arne Slot says Kelleher handles being the No.2 "very well" and he's pleased that the goalkeeper isn't content with being a mere bench player. However, he is clear about the pecking order.

"It's a good thing that he wants to play. Who knows, he's going to play for us in the future, but in this moment it's quite clear Alisson is our No.1," said Slot a few days on from Kelleher's comments.

Caoimhin Kelleher has impressed Arne Slot with his attitude.
Caoimhin Kelleher has impressed Arne Slot with his attitude. -Credit:Liverpool FC via Getty Images

Kelleher played in Wednesday's League Cup game with West Ham as the de facto cup goalkeeper, having earned his first outing of the season in Saturday's routine 3-0 Premier League win against Bournemouth. Why he played at the weekend is the reason behind Slot's eagerness to keep him.

Alisson is nursing a hamstring problem, which could also see him miss the weekend clash with Wolves. Although it is unclear whether it is a re-emergence of the same issue he suffered back in February which forced him to miss 13 games, it is yet another muscular injury for the Brazilian shot-stopper.

It is the third such setback in 10 months and the sort of trend which might make Liverpool's medical staff mindful about his match load. Given his lengthy layoff last season, perhaps this was a potential scenario foreseen amid the increasingly hectic schedule moving forward.

"I think Caoimhin has shown many times in the past few years - and even in pre-season - he's ready every time we need him," Slot added. Kelleher has indeed proven himself worthy as a credible No.2 and many fans were delighted to see the Irishman stay on board this campaign.

Caoimhin Kelleher training for Liverpool.
Caoimhin Kelleher training for Liverpool. -Credit:Liverpool FC via Getty Images

Furthermore, during a time of much change, Kelleher is a familiar face around the dressing room who has been at the club for longer than nearly all of his senior teammates. That should not be under-estimated, especially when it comes to goalkeepers.

But not only that, the custodian offers the reassurance Slot needs amid any Alisson setback given his proven step-in quality and similar characteristics. He also offers the head coach breathing space.

If Kelleher had left and Giorgi Mamardashvili - set to arrive next summer - had joined this summer, the onus on the Georgian to perform when called upon would weigh more heavily on Slot in his first season of judgement. The new goalkeeper will still have that same pressure next season, but Slot will have earned a year of trust in the bank.

Kelleher deserves more playing time than he would ordinarily get at Liverpool. Supporters and Slot know that. But the stability he offers at a club of this stature is invaluable and that's why his transfer request was not granted.