Arne Slot wants Caoimhin Kelleher to stay at Liverpool

Arne Slot has firmly stated his desire for Caoimhin Kelleher to stay at Liverpool, rejecting recent advances from Nottingham Forest for the 25-year-old Republic of Ireland goalkeeper. Kelleher, who has two years remaining on his current contract at Anfield, has proven himself to be a reliable deputy for Alisson Becker, stepping up with assured performances whenever called upon.

Nottingham Forest recently made a cash-plus-player offer for Kelleher, hoping to secure the talented shot-stopper as they strengthen their squad. However, Liverpool quickly turned down the proposal, as they did with a similar approach from Forest back in January. The offer was significantly below Liverpool’s valuation of £35 million, underscoring the club’s recognition of Kelleher’s worth.

Kelleher has been a vital part of Liverpool’s goalkeeping setup, and his consistent performances in the absence of Alisson have made him one of the most reliable backup keepers in the Premier League. Whether in cup competitions or when filling in for the first-choice goalkeeper in the league, Kelleher has displayed composure, shot-stopping ability, and a calm presence that belies his relatively limited experience at the top level.

Well in, Caoimh!

Arne Slot, who took over as Liverpool’s manager this season, is keen to keep Kelleher at the club, not just for the immediate future but as part of a longer-term strategy. Slot explained that the decision to hold onto Kelleher is crucial for maintaining competition and quality within the squad, especially in a position as critical as goalkeeper.

Here is what the Dutchman had to say via The Mirror:

“Maybe [he has to think of himself], but we have to make decisions as well,”

“It’s not only the player. If you work at a club like Liverpool, you need competition and you need a lot of good players.”

“Like I said, Mamardashvili is someone for the long-term future of the club and I’m really, really happy with the goalkeepers we have at the moment.”

“Caoimhin is one of them and Ali. We’re in a good place when it comes to goalkeepers for now and for the long term.”

Kelleher’s presence provides Liverpool with a reliable option in goal, ensuring that the team can cope with the demands of a long season, including domestic and European competitions.

Moreover, Liverpool’s decision to reject Forest’s bid stands tied to their long-term planning, which includes the future integration of Giorgi Mamardashvili. The Georgian goalkeeper, who had a massive Euro campaign earlier this season, is currently on loan at Valencia but is a key part of Liverpool’s future. Slot confirmed that Mamardashvili’s arrival is intended to bolster the club’s goalkeeping ranks in the years to come, ensuring continuity and quality in this crucial position.

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All in all, Caoimh’s performances have not gone unnoticed by fans and pundits alike, with many praising his maturity and professionalism. His ability to step in and perform at a high level has provided Liverpool with a sense of security whenever Alisson has been unavailable. This reliability has made him an invaluable asset to the squad, and it’s clear that Slot and the Liverpool hierarchy see him as an integral part of their plans moving forward.