Liverpool transfers: Coaimhin Kelleher urged to leave by new Ireland manager

New Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has urged Caoimhin Kelleher to quit Liverpool this summer in order to establish himself elsewhere as a regular starter. 

Kelleher, 25, played 26 times for the Reds last season as first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker struggled with injuries but is firmly behind the Brazil No.1 in the Anfield pecking order. 

Accordingly the Ireland international has made it known in recent months that he is seeking a move elsewhere in order to strike out on his own as a first-choice goalkeeper. 

He revealed in an interview with The Athletic that winning trophies like the Carabao Cup made him realise he is capable of stepping up and playing regularly at the top level. 

Celtic and Nottingham Forest were named among the teams linked with his signature but avenues appear to be closing. 

The Scottish champions appear close to a deal for Denmark No.1 Kasper Schmeichel, Forest have signed Brazilian Carlos Miguel and other teams are so far reluctant to meet Liverpool’s asking price. 

Kelleher price tag revealed

It’s believed the Reds are seeking around £25 million for the 14-cap Irishman, who is under contract until 2026, a valuation that risks pricing him out of a move. 

It was revealed last week that new coach Arne Slot was planning to have Kelleher around given no firm bids have come in and Liverpool look light in the senior goalkeeping department. 

But new Irish manager Hallgrimsson believes the time is right for his goalkeeper to make the move. 

The Icelandic tactician was appointed Ireland boss last week in a shock move just days after leaving Jamaica and spoke to the Irish press about Kelleher’s future. 

New Ireland boss wants Kelleher to quit

Asked whether it was time for him to seek a move away from Anfield, Hallgrimsson was unequivocal. 

“Of course, especially when he showed everyone that he can play at the highest level,” he is reported to have said by the Irish Mirror. 

“It would be a shame if he's not playing regularly after he has already shown everyone how good he is, the level he played at.”