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Cork super keeper Caoimhín Kelleher set for switch from Anfield

EchoLive.ie, 29 Jan

Spurs have been linked with the Liverpool number two as the Reds pursue

Jude Bellingham

Liverpool's Carabao Cup hero Caoimhín Kelleher. Picture: Nigel

French/PA Wire.

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Dylan O’ Connell

CAOIMHÍN Kelleher’s days at Anfield could be numbered as Liverpool

might sell the goalkeeper to boost funds for Jude Bellingham.

The Athletic report that the goalkeeper could be offloaded, which would

suit his ambitions to play regular first-team football.

This follows Liverpool’s tradition of selling players to fund future

transfers, like when the £142million for Philippe Coutinho was used to

bring in players like Virgil van Dijk, Álisson, and Fabinho.

Kelleher has also made no secret of his goal to get regular game time,

something he might have to wait for at Anfield as Álisson Becker is

only 30 years old and in the prime of his career.

Even this season, he has been restricted to just three appearances from

cup competitions.

Until the moment comes that the club has to make a decision on the

goalkeeper’s future, Kelleher is more than happy to act as a number two

and deputise when needed.

RELAXED

"Obviously when I get my chance I need to take it," Kelleher told the

Liverpool Echo. "That is all I am focusing on really. I just need to be

ready so I can step in if there's an injury or if I'm needed.

"I am quite relaxed, so I don't mind watching, but obviously I'd rather

be playing but I just try to be as focused as I can be when I watch so

I am ready if I am needed.”

Kelleher is affectionally known as Liverpool’s cup goalkeeper over his

performances in domestic competitions since 2019. His best run for the

club was in the 2021-22 Carabao Cup as he made four appearances during

their victorious campaign.

He also helped the club get their first win of 2023 by keeping a clean

sheet during a 1-0 win over Wolves in the FA Cup at Molineux Stadium.

First-team football is a big carrot for Kelleher, especially with his

international ambitions with the Republic of Ireland. With Gavin Bazunu

and Southampton now bottom of the Premier League, Kelleher could be in

line for a number of future starts with the national team.

Should Liverpool sell Kelleher to increase funds, the goalkeeper won’t

be short of options. The biggest club expected to be in the market for

a new shot-stopper is Tottenham Hotspur, especially with Hugo Lloris

after turning 36.

Whatever decision Kelleher makes, Liverpool will receive a good fee for

the goalkeeper as he is a senior Irish international with proven

first-team experience under Jurgen Klopp. This is because he has played

in every competition for the Reds, even the UEFA Champions League. That

was 2020 and he featured against FC Midtjylland and Ajax, and he only

conceded one goal over the two games.

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