Liverpool must respect Caoimhin Kelleher decision after previously blocking transfer

Caoimhin Kelleher is desperate to become a first-choice goalkeeper – and after proving his ability for the fourth straight season, it's time for Liverpool to support his desires.

Liverpool is blessed when it comes to the goalkeeper position, with Alisson arguably one of the greatest shot-stoppers in world soccer. The Reds have also signed Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili who shone for Georgia at Euro 2024 in the summer, although he won't join until 2025.

That leaves Kelleher, who has helped bail Liverpool out over the past two seasons due to injuries sustained by Alisson and been a major part of the success. Kelleher made 10 Premier League appearances last season, helped Liverpool secure a spot in the Champions League, and kept a clean sheet in the Carabao Cup final win over Chelsea.

Kelleher has once again impressed after being called upon this season, but head coach Arne Slot has confirmed that Alisson will be reinstated as soon as he's ready. While Kelleher is a major asset, he's given so much to the club – and Liverpool owes him the chance to become No. 1 elsewhere.

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The Republic of Ireland goalkeeper can't expect to replace Alisson, but Kelleher could have been promised the role once Liverpool parted ways with its first-choice option. However, Liverpool ended up spending $32 million on 24-year-old Mamardashvili, who is undeniably the long-term solution once Alisson departs the club.

Mamardashvili is one of the top young goalkeepers, but once Liverpool made its stance clear on Kelleher, they were left with only one option. Not only does Liverpool need to sell Kelleher next summer, they should ensure they sell him to the right club and not just the highest bidder.

Kelleher has been extremely patient at Liverpool and wanted to leave the club this summer but was denied due to Mamardashvili spending this season on loan at Valencia. "I made it clear in the last few years, I want to go be a No. 1 and play week in, week out," Kelleher told reporters in September.

"The club made the decision to get another goalkeeper. From the outside looking in, it looks like they have made a decision to go in another direction.

"My ambition has always been clear the last few seasons that I want to be a No. 1, playing week in, week out. Sometimes from the outside looking in, it looks like it is 100 percent my decision but at times, it is not always in my hands."

Kelleher is contracted through 2026, meaning that it's likely Liverpool will sell him next summer as the Ireland goalkeeper won't sign a new deal. While soccer is a business in the modern day, to repay Kelleher for his service as a backup the club should ensure he is sold to his preferred team.

The issue for Kelleher is that because he's playing so well, Liverpool can demand a higher fee which may price certain clubs out of a move. If Liverpool demands a premium fee, it may deter big clubs who may wish to explore cheaper options elsewhere in Europe.

Kelleher impressed after being called upon against Chelsea earlier this season. But he's aware that while his performances will attract suitors, it could make leaving the club more troublesome. "Obviously, my intention is to do as well as I can and show my ability," Kelleher said after Alisson suffered an injury this season.

"That is where my head is at with the situation. The best thing I can do is go and play well and maybe give the manager something to think about, give him a headache. But it does work both ways. I played so many times last season - and if you do well, your valuation goes up because, obviously, the club is going to want a good profit.

"I was clear (in the summer) that I wanted to play first-team football, whether that was here or elsewhere. I wanted to be a No. 1. That was my thought process - but it's always been my thought process because, obviously, I am a football player, and like every player, I want to play. I'm not going to enjoy myself or be happy sitting on the bench."

It's unclear which teams are pursuing Kelleher ahead of next summer, but after Liverpool decided to prioritize Mamardashvili they must sell the Ireland goalkeeper. Kelleher has been exceptional when needed and provided healthy competition to keep Alisson sharp, but now deserves to enjoy a career playing every week.