Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher will eventually look to leave the club in order to be first choice, according to former England international Paul Robinson.
The Lowdown: Coming-of-age season
The eight-cap Irishman may have again played second fiddle to Alisson throughout the 2021/22 season but he also still enjoyed some standout moments.
Kelleher was most notably Liverpool’s hero in the Carabao Cup final win over Chelsea, not only saving penalties in the shootout but also dispatching his own spot-kick at Wembley.
The 23-year-old is reportedly seen as a long-term prospect by the Reds but it remains to be seen if he is happy to be a squad player for many years to come.
The Latest: Kelleher backed to leave
Speaking to Football Insider, Robinson claimed that Kelleher would want to be first choice somewhere eventually and ‘there will be a problem’ once he decides to ‘rock the boat’.
“You can only accept the role as a number two for so long. Is he happy just playing in the cups and the occasional game in the Champions League? It is ok when you are younger, you can accept it. But when you have played in big games and had success the want and the will to be a number one will be there.
“To be the number two goalkeeper at Liverpool is fantastic. But when you look at Alisson and his age, when is Kelleher going to get his opportunity to be the first choice? It is not going to be for a long time.
“It will be down to Kelleher’s personal will and ambition. He might want to move on to realise that.
“If he does decide to leave, it will be for a big transfer fee. Liverpool will demand it. It would be to another Premier League club because he is at that level.
“The situation suits Liverpool very well at the moment but as soon as he rocks the boat there will be a problem.”
The Verdict: Could happen eventually
Kelleher is a fantastic young ‘keeper who Liverpool would be wise to keep hold of – indeed, Jurgen Klopp has described him as ‘outstanding’ – but it would be hard to begrudge him a move elsewhere eventually.
Alisson is still only 29 and will likely be the Reds’ number one for the foreseeable future, so their current second choice between the sticks may see his future elsewhere if there is no sign of a lasting breakthrough at Anfield.
Being stuck behind arguably the best ‘keeper in the world is a tricky situation for the Irishman, and while training alongside Alisson will be invaluable experience for Kelleher, he is good enough to be starting week in, week out for another Premier League team.
Therefore, Liverpool fans should be braced for the possibility of him leaving in the foreseeable future.
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