Caoimhín Kelleher ‘better than David De Gea’ and linked with exit as Liverpool already have replacement in mind
Ireland keeper rumoured to be considering his future at Anfield
Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher may have to make way for Gavin Bazunu against Switzerland
Caoimhín Kelleher’s future at Liverpool will again be under the spotlight this summer, with the Ireland keeper needing to decide on his long-term future.
Kelleher impressed during his run in the Liverpool first team this season, as he stepped in for the injured Alisson Becker and played a key role in the Carabao Cup final win against Chelsea at Wembley in February.
Yet at the age of 25, the Cork-born keeper may need to consider his future as he looks for more regular first-team football.
Doubts over Kelleher’s future have sparked reports in England that Liverpool are eyeing up a move for Burnley keeper James Trafford.
Today's Sport News in 90 Seconds - 2nd May
Outgoing Liverpool goalkeeper coach John Achterberg spoke to the Irish Independent about Kelleher’s position in March, as he suggested the challenge of playing second fiddle to Alisson may need to be addressed.
“It’s difficult if you play a League Cup game and then don’t play for two or three weeks, as you can’t get into a rhythm,” said Achterberg.
"The reality is you need two good goalies to have a chance to win something and I believe we have the best goalkeeper line-up in the history of Liverpool right now.
“I was speaking to Caoimh three or four years ago and told him that he was already better than David de Gea.
“The only difference was De Gea was playing every week and he was getting a chance to show it.
“I think Caoimh was laughing about it when I made that comment, but I always believed in him and it was just a case of him showing it day in, day out.
“For a long time now, I would say he is as good as anyone in the game, but the problem here is he had one of, or maybe the best, goalie in the world ahead of him.”
Caoimhín Kelleher has shown how he can improve with match-sharpness - surely he cannot go back to sitting on the Liverpool bench?
Ahead of a summer of change at Liverpool that will see manager Jurgen Klopp step down from his role, a turnover of players and staff is also expected, with goalkeeping coach Achterberg the latest to confirm he is leaving the club.
"After 15 years at the club, I have decided with a heavy heart to leave LFC.
"It has been an unbelievable and great journey for me and my family. I have loved each day working at this amazing club, but after a long think, I feel it could be right for me to start a new challenge.
"I would like to thank FSG for all the support during those 15 years – Mike Gordon, John Henry, Tom Werner and Billy Hogan. It has been a privilege to work for the biggest and greatest club in world football with its amazing supporters. Whether they are Scouse or non-Scouse, I loved them all worldwide.
"A massive thank you goes to our manager Jurgen Klopp. What joy he gives to all of us. Klopp has fulfilled all our dreams at LFC. He is one of [the] best managers in the history of the city, the club and world football.
"He created world-class teams with his man-management skills, he brought us back to being believers, winners, and a force in European and world football.
"For me personally, I cannot thank him enough for everything he has done for me and my family, for the trust he gave me to do my job to the best I can, the joy, inspiration and the great leadership."
