Danny Murphy believes Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher will leave Anfield this summer, with Chelsea and Newcastle emerging as potential destinations.
The 26-year-old, who has struggled for game time since Alisson Becker’s return in December, has proven his worth in recent months but appears destined for a move elsewhere.
Kelleher stepped up during Alisson’s injury absence, delivering standout performances that helped Liverpool dominate both the Premier League and Champions League.
Among his highlights was a crucial penalty save against Kylian Mbappe in a Champions League win over Real Madrid, one of three clean sheets he kept in the competition.
However, the Republic of Ireland international’s future looks uncertain, especially with Liverpool’s £29m signing of Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia. The Georgian goalkeeper will join the club this summer, likely pushing Kelleher down the pecking order.
Murphy, the former Liverpool and England midfielder, is confident Kelleher will seek a starting role elsewhere. “He’s too good to sit on the bench,” Murphy said. “There won’t be a shortage of takers. He deserves the chance to be a No. 1.”
Chelsea and Newcastle are considered the frontrunners for Kelleher’s signature. At Chelsea, Robert Sanchez has faced mixed reviews, with some pundits doubting his ability to lead the team to major trophies.
Similarly, Newcastle’s Nick Pope and Martin Dubravka, while reliable, may not fit the club’s ambitions as they push for domestic and European success.
Murphy suggested, “Chelsea seems an obvious choice, though Sanchez is improving. Newcastle is also a fantastic option if they aim to become more competitive.” He added that both clubs could provide Kelleher with the platform to excel as a first-choice goalkeeper.
Since making his Liverpool debut in 2020, Kelleher has amassed 61 appearances for the club. Most recently, he was on the bench during Liverpool’s dramatic 2-0 victory over Brentford, where Darwin Nunez scored two injury-time goals to secure a crucial win.
With Arsenal drawing 2-2 against Aston Villa later that day, Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to six points, with a game in hand.
Manager Arne Slot praised his team’s resilience, saying, “We were close to not getting what we deserved. Scoring in the final seconds was significant in such an important game.”
As Liverpool focuses on their title charge, the summer transfer window looms large, and Kelleher’s likely departure could mark the start of significant changes at Anfield.