From Anfield understudy to Premier League starter – the journey to a new club | OneFootball

Kelleher Opens Up on Liverpool Exit and Brentford Ambitions

Caoimhín Kelleher has revealed why the time was finally right to leave Liverpool, ending a decade-long stay at Anfield to join Brentford as their new No 1 goalkeeper. Speaking to The Telegraph, the Republic of Ireland international admitted that while the compliments about being “the best No 2 goalkeeper in the Premier League” were flattering, his focus was always on becoming a starter.

“Of course, you hear that kind of stuff,” Kelleher said. “It’s a nice compliment… but now I want to be that No 1 and show people that I’m quite a good No 1 as well.”

After 10 Premier League appearances in Liverpool’s title-winning campaign last season, Kelleher leaves with a medal and memories he calls “a nice way to finish”. But with Alisson Becker showing no signs of departing and just 12 months left on his deal, the 26-year-old knew the moment had come to move.

Why Brentford Was the Perfect Fit

Brentford tracked Kelleher for years before making their move this summer, paying £12.5m to bring him in as Mark Flekken’s replacement. The Irishman was impressed by the Bees’ “amazingly-run” operation and their record in developing talent.

Photo: IMAGO

“I wanted to be a No 1 and wanted to do that for this season,” he explained. “Once [Brentford] registered their interest I was quite keen and things moved quite quickly.”

Kelleher also had glowing reports from former Liverpool teammate Fábio Carvalho and fellow Ireland international Nathan Collins, now Brentford captain.

Responding to Goalkeeping Critics

One frustration for Kelleher is how pundits discuss his position. “It’s uneducated people who don’t know the position,” he said, calling for more former goalkeepers like Joe Hart and Rob Green to provide informed analysis.

High Hopes for the Season Ahead

Despite managerial changes at Brentford – with Thomas Frank replaced by Keith Andrews – Kelleher remains optimistic. “We finished 10th last season and maybe at some point you want to push into Europe as well, which would be amazing for this club.”

For Liverpool fans, his departure marks the end of an era for a player who proved reliable whenever called upon, especially in cup finals and high-pressure league matches.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool supporter’s perspective, Kelleher’s move feels like a bittersweet but inevitable parting. For years, he was the safety net behind Alisson – calm, technically assured, and often stepping up in defining moments, most memorably the Carabao Cup final in 2022. Fans knew his quality deserved more than occasional starts.

Brentford looks like a well-chosen destination. Their track record with player development, combined with a tactical style that values technical ability from the back, should suit Kelleher’s skillset perfectly. The presence of Irish teammates also offers a smoother transition, both culturally and in terms of dressing-room chemistry.