Liverpool transfers: Caoimhin Kelleher unhappy at Mamardashvili signing

Caoimhin Kelleher has hit out at Liverpool’s decision to bring another goalkeeper to the club.

Speaking to the media on international duty for the Republic of Ireland, the shot-stopper cut a dejected figure when pressed by the media on his future.

Read more: Arne Slot makes decision on Caoimhin Kelleher

“I’ve made it clear in the last few years that I want to go and be a number one, play week in week out," he answered.

“The club’s made that decision to go and get another goalkeeper in which, yeah, obviously from the outside looking in looks like they’ve made a decision to go a different direction.”

Kelleher spells out No.1 ambitions

This refers to the recent announcement that Giorgi Mamardashvili will join the Reds from Valencia at the start of the 2025-26 season, in a deal worth over £30 million. The Georgian keeper caught international attention after his standout performances for his nation at Euro 2024, including in a shock 2-0 victory over Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal.

“My ambition has always been clear and has been clear the last few seasons that I want to go be a number one and play week in week out," Kelleher went on to say, noting that: “Sometimes from the outside looking in it looks like maybe that’s 100% my decision and sometimes maybe it’s not always in my hands as well.”

Kelleher made 26 appearances for the Redmen in all competitions last season, keeping five clean sheets. Rumours followed him all summer, including links to fellow Premier League outfit Nottingham Forest. The move was rejected by the club and, judging by the Irish international’s comments, sowed serious discontent. 

Kelleher wins praise of England manager

The comments came on the back of a stellar display for the Republic of Ireland by Liverpool’s second-choice keeper in an otherwise dismal 0-2 defeat to England. Kelleher made seven saves, including a one-on-one with Liverpool-linked Anthony Gordon and a 15th-minute counter by England captain Harry Kane, which was met with plaudits across the Irish media.

The praise was also matched by England interim manager Lee Carsley, who called Kelleher an ‘excellent goalkeeper’, and went on to say: “I’ve watched him a lot and he has a massive future in the game. [Republic of Ireland] had good ones in the past with Shay [Given] but he is in good company today.”

Kelleher is in line to start in Tuesday’s game against Greece. It may be his best chance to put himself in the shop window ahead of January’s transfer window.