Liverpool Star Leaves Club in £18million Deal – Confirmed | OneFootball

Caoimhin Kelleher Seals Brentford Move After Decade with Liverpool

In a move that has long felt inevitable but is no less significant for it, Caoimhin Kelleher has officially left Liverpool to join Brentford in a permanent transfer. The 26-year-old Irishman departs Merseyside after ten years of steady progression, patient professionalism and, crucially, a series of clutch performances that will live long in Anfield folklore.

From Cork to the Kop

Kelleher arrived at Liverpool from Ringmahon Rangers in 2015, a teenager from Cork with plenty of raw promise. What followed was a textbook development arc — progressing through the Academy ranks before eventually becoming the club’s trusted deputy to Alisson Becker. It was a role he handled with calm assurance, often called upon in moments of pressure and delivering when it mattered most.

He made 67 senior appearances for Liverpool, lifting seven major trophies. Among those were two Premier League titles, the Champions League, the Emirates FA Cup, two Carabao Cups and the UEFA Super Cup. For a No.2 goalkeeper, those are achievements most can only dream of. Yet, Kelleher’s contribution wasn’t just symbolic. It was tangible.

Penalty Shootout Specialist

It is impossible to speak of Caoimhin Kelleher’s Liverpool career without mentioning his ice-cold resolve in penalty shootouts. No Reds goalkeeper has ever won more shootouts — four in total. His defining moment arguably came in the 2022 Carabao Cup final against Chelsea at Wembley. After a composed and commanding 120-minute performance, Kelleher stepped up and scored the winning penalty himself.

Moments like that reflect not just technical skill, but mental strength — the hallmark of a top-level goalkeeper.

Integral to 2024-25 Title-Winning Campaign

Under new manager Arne Slot, Liverpool returned to the summit of English football in the 2024-25 season, clinching the Premier League title. Kelleher played an underrated but important part in that success. With Alisson sidelined for part of the campaign, Kelleher made 20 appearances, including a run of 10 straight starts in the league and Champions League.

That sequence began with a 2-1 win over Chelsea and saw Liverpool go unbeaten, winning eight and drawing two. Kelleher kept five clean sheets during that spell and made history by becoming the first Liverpool goalkeeper in more than 100 years to save penalties in consecutive matches — against Southampton and Real Madrid.

In short, he was more than just a backup — he was a vital component of a title-winning squad.

Brentford Gain Proven Premier League Performer

Brentford, known for their savvy recruitment and smart tactical setup, have secured a goalkeeper entering his prime. Kelleher brings with him experience at the highest level, a calm temperament, and a proven ability to perform in big moments. His move to West London offers him a long-awaited chance to be the No.1 at a Premier League club, and few would argue he hasn’t earned it.

As Liverpool said in a club statement: “Everyone at Liverpool FC thanks Caoimhin for his contribution to the club’s recent success and wishes him the best of luck for the future.”

Brentford fans may not yet realise just how big a signing this could turn out to be. Liverpool fans already know.