Liverpool give their blessing for ‘perfect’ player to leave as decision finally reached

His team has won nine out of their first ten games, with the only defeat being a 1-0 loss at home to Nottingham Forest on September 14.

One of the challenges Slot faced early on was failing to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, who chose to stay in Spain rather than move to Anfield.

In response, Ryan Gravenberch has stepped up to fill the holding midfield position and has impressed fans so far. However, a significant problem arose during Liverpool’s 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace on October 5, when first-choice goalkeeper Alisson injured his hamstring while clearing the ball.

With backup keeper Caoimhin Kelleher unavailable due to illness, little-known third-choice goalkeeper Vítězslav Jaroš had to come on in Alisson’s place.

Alisson missed the recent international break and is doubtful for Liverpool’s upcoming match against Chelsea this Sunday.

Kelleher, who was linked with a move away during the summer transfer window after Nottingham Forest had a bid turned down by Liverpool, is expected to start in goal against Chelsea. However, his long-term future at the club seems uncertain.

Reports suggest that Liverpool will allow the 25-year-old to leave next summer. Kelleher has made 49 appearances for the club and was instrumental in their 2022 Carabao Cup victory over Chelsea, notably scoring a penalty in the decisive shoot-out at Wembley.

Despite his evident potential, his prospects of becoming Liverpool’s first-choice goalkeeper are slim, especially with the club confirming that Georgian international Giorgi Mamardashvili will join in July 2025, after spending the 2024/25 season on loan at Valencia.

Given this, it seems likely that if Kelleher wants to be a first-choice goalkeeper, he may have to pursue that ambition elsewhere.

Though his contract with Liverpool runs until 2026, he has made clear his desire to be the club’s number one.

“It would be great if that [becoming number one] happened at Liverpool, but I’m not silly,” he told The Athletic in May 2024.

“I know that Ali [Alisson] has been the best goalkeeper in the world for years.”

“I love being at Liverpool, and hopefully, there’s more to come there,” he added.

“But I feel like I’ve done my years as a No 2. The ambition now is to be a No 1. I am ready and capable.”

Although Kelleher’s goal is to become a number one, he received praise from former England and Arsenal ‘keeper David Seaman over his suitability for a back-up role this year.

“It’s the sign of a fantastic number two that Caoimhín Kelleher can come in and play his game right from the off,” Seaman said, as quoted by the Irish Examiner.

“He doesn’t need time to get settled in or anything like that — he’s making big saves all the time. He’s the perfect number two.”