Stephen Kenny suggests Caoimhin Kelleher to leave Liverpool to fulfill his potential
The Republic of Ireland boss Stephen Kenny has suggested Caoimhin Kelleher to leave Liverpool to fulfil his potential.
Kelleher, 24, is in a battle with Gavin Bazunu for the number spot in the Ireland team going into the June Euro qualifiers.
The Irishman has come up the ranks at Liverpool and plays second fiddle to the Reds’ number one Alisson Becker. Now, with how the latter has been over a long period, the former mostly gets the cup games to showcase his talent.
Keeping those things in mind, here’s what the Ireland boss said when asked about Kelleher and his future (h/t Independent):
“I would fully expect that. It’s not right normally to speak about a player moving, but he’s at the stage where he’s behind probably one of the best goalkeepers in the world and it’s not going to get any easier.
“He can’t afford not playing. He knows that and he’s known that for a while. It’s not easy. There’s a process you go through with a club like that and I think and it wouldn’t be a surprise for him to move in the summer, and he knows that.”
But, a few days ago, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp confirmed that Kelleher is not going anywhere, unless an extraordinary offer comes. The German also said that the goalkeeper is one department the club won’t be too bothered about in the transfer window as they have got great options.
A few weeks ago, the Irish Independent revealed that Tottenham Hotspur, Brentford and Brighton are interested in signing the 24-year-old. Brentford have got themselves a new keeper, so they must be out of the race. The other two might still pursue a deal.
Although Klopp would want Kelleher to stay as a number two because he is that good, it must be tempting for the player to leave and play regular football.
What Liverpool can do is allow him to leave but with a twist. They can insert a buyback clause in his contract with the next club. So, whenever Alisson leaves, the club will have the option to buy the Ireland international back.
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In this situation, the Reds would get Kelleher in a better shape and experience compared to what he is right now. It is an idea the club must think about in the coming days if the keeper wants to leave this summer.
