Chelsea’s Interest in Caoimhin Kelleher as Liverpool Face Transfer Reality.
Caoimhin Kelleher is poised to be one of the most valuable bargain transfers of the summer as he prepares to leave Liverpool. The Republic of Ireland’s No. 1 has accumulated 64 senior appearances for the Reds, including 17 this season due to Alisson’s injury setbacks. His performances in key victories over Real Madrid and Manchester City, where he kept eight clean sheets, have further solidified his reputation.
Liverpool currently value Kelleher between £30 million and £40 million, but his contract situation could force them to lower their demands. With his deal expiring in July 2026, the Reds risk seeing his market value decline if they do not sell him this summer. Additionally, Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili is set to arrive from Valencia to take over as Alisson’s deputy, making Kelleher’s departure more likely.
To facilitate a transfer, Liverpool may need to adjust their asking price to around £20 million. If they fail to offload him, Kelleher could leave on a lucrative Bosman deal in 2026. The club already rejected approaches from Nottingham Forest both last summer and in January 2024, a move that left Kelleher frustrated as he continued serving as Alisson’s understudy while Mamardashvili remained on loan at Valencia.
With Liverpool now prepared to part ways, several clubs are keen to secure Kelleher’s services. Chelsea, Newcastle, and Bournemouth are at the forefront of the race, each seeking a reliable first-choice goalkeeper. Chelsea, in particular, is eager to resolve their goalkeeping woes following a string of errors from Robert Sanchez.
Chelsea’s Goalkeeping Woes
Robert Sanchez has endured a difficult campaign, with Enzo Maresca dropping him after a costly mistake against Manchester City in January. This marked his fifth error leading to a goal this season, making him the Premier League’s most error-prone goalkeeper alongside Arijanet Muric. Maresca understands that Chelsea cannot reestablish themselves as a dominant force with Sanchez in goal and has since turned to Filip Jorgensen. However, Kelleher offers long-term stability, which Maresca highly values.
Unlike Sanchez, Kelleher has been largely error-free, with only one notable mistake this season against Newcastle. His reliability in crucial fixtures for Liverpool underscores his ability to perform under pressure, making him an attractive option for Chelsea’s rebuilding project.
Newcastle’s Search for a New No. 1
Newcastle is also in the market for a goalkeeper, as Nick Pope’s tenure as their No. 1 may conclude this summer. At 36, Martin Dubravka is not seen as a viable long-term solution, prompting Newcastle to consider Burnley’s James Trafford. However, Burnley is expected to demand over £35 million for the former England Under-21 shot-stopper after acquiring him from Manchester City for £19 million in 2023. Kelleher, at 26, represents a more affordable and suitable option in terms of age and experience.
Bournemouth’s Goalkeeping Plans
Bournemouth is another club likely to be active in the goalkeeper market this summer. Andoni Iraola has relied on Kepa Arrizabalaga, who is on loan from Chelsea, but a permanent solution is needed. Kelleher, with his winning mentality, is an attractive prospect. His collection of silverware includes an FA Cup and two Carabao Cup titles, with the possibility of adding a Premier League and a third Carabao Cup to his tally this season.
The Demand for Kelleher
As Liverpool prepare to allow Kelleher to leave, his ambition to become a Premier League No. 1 is set to be realized. With multiple clubs vying for his signature, he will be one of the most sought-after goalkeepers in the summer transfer window.
Chelsea’s Interest in Caoimhin Kelleher as Liverpool Face Transfer Reality
