Caoimhin Kelleher hints at Liverpool exit ahead of Giorgi Mamardashvili arrival

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·26. Mai 2025

Caoimhin Kelleher hints at Liverpool exit ahead of Giorgi Mamardashvili arrival

Mamardashvili will officially join Liverpool this summer in a £30m move

Caoimhin Kelleher has hinted he could leave Liverpool this summer in a bid for more regular playing time.

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The Irishman reiterated his ambition to be a first-choice goalkeeper as the Reds prepare to welcome Valencia shot-stopper Giorgi Mamardashvili, who signed for the club for £30m last summer but remained in Spain until the end of this season.

Speaking after Liverpool’s 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace - in which he was an unused substitute - on Sunday, Kelleher said: “I think I’ve said it before that I feel like I’m a No. 1, I think I’m good enough to play week-in week-out, and that’s what I’m looking to do.”

He continued: “This season I was lucky enough to play a lot of games but definitely something I’m looking at.”

Having deputised for Alisson Becker throughout the entirety of his first-team career, Kelleher made 20 appearances for Arne Slot’s side in all competitions this season due to the Brazilian’s injury issues, keeping nine clean sheets.

Four of those came in his 10 Premier League matches, while three were kept in his four Champions League outings.

Giorgi Mamardashvili will join up with his new team-mates this summer

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He will have hoped to be in the club’s long-term plans between the sticks, especially with Alisson out of contract in two years’ time. But the imminent arrival of Georgian ‘keeper Mamardashvili - which Kelleher expressed frustration over last summer - has evidently muddied that picture.

It means the 26-year-old is likely to be on the market for either a loan or permanent move in the upcoming transfer window, presenting a solid option for other clubs potentially in search of a new goalkeeper. Aston Villa and Manchester United could be in the market if Emiliano Martinez and Andre Onana are on the move.

Kelleher, who came up through Liverpool’s youth ranks before signing his first professional contract with the club in 2018, remained excited about the team’s title celebrations despite the uncertainty over his own future.

“It’s obviously very special,” he said on Sunday of playing and celebrating the 2024-25 Premier League title win in front of supporters.

“You know from being in the stadium how special the fans are. It’s special memories for us all and we’ll just soak up the atmosphere now and enjoy today.”

Kelleher added that he expects Liverpool’s trophy parade on Monday to be a rowdy one.

“I think it’s going to be crazy,” he said. “I remember the last one, when we won the Champions League, was crazy.

“But it’s the first time in the Premier League with fans, I think it could be mental!”