West Ham hope to land Liverpool man as asking price becomes clear | OneFootball

West Ham Target Liverpool’s Kelleher as Reds Set Summer Exit Terms

Kelleher eyes No.1 status away from Anfield

It’s long felt like a matter of when, not if, Caoimhin Kelleher would leave Liverpool. Now, according to a report in The Mirror, West Ham United have made the Irish international their top target for the summer. The goalkeeper, 26, has made it clear: he’s ready to step out of Alisson Becker’s shadow and carve out a career as a first-choice option elsewhere.

“Obviously my intention is to do as well as I can and show my ability,” Kelleher said earlier this season. “That is where my head is at with the situation. The best thing I can do is go and play well and maybe give the manager something to think about, give him a headache.”

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It’s a mature and pointed message from a player who has spent years learning his craft under the finest goalkeeper in the world. And while Arne Slot has given Kelleher a solid run this season — 20 appearances and nine clean sheets — the writing appears to be on the wall.

New arrival likely to alter Liverpool pecking order

What further complicates Kelleher’s future at Anfield is the impending arrival of Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia. The Georgian was signed last summer but loaned back for the 2024/25 campaign. He will expect involvement when he reports for duty, a scenario that could push Kelleher down to third choice.

Photo: IMAGO

The Mirror notes that West Ham would prefer a loan, but Liverpool want a permanent deal and have dropped their asking price to around £20 million. That’s a sizeable reduction from the £35m they reportedly wanted when Nottingham Forest made their approach last summer.

“I was clear (in the summer) that I wanted to play first-team football, whether that was here or elsewhere. I wanted to be a No.1,” Kelleher reiterated. “That was my thought process – but it’s always been my thought process because obviously I am a football player and like every player, I want to play.”

Competition builds across the Premier League

Interest in Kelleher is not limited to East London. Chelsea have monitored his situation previously, with doubts lingering over Robert Sánchez. Elsewhere, Aaron Ramsdale — now at Southampton — is also likely to be on the move, with a similar valuation.

Yet it is Kelleher’s all-round profile that makes him a particularly attractive option. Calm in possession, reliable in distribution, and with a reputation for penalty heroics, he’s the modern mould of a Premier League goalkeeper. For a side like West Ham, under the possession-based stewardship of Graham Potter, Kelleher ticks multiple boxes.

Photo: IMAGO

West Ham’s current No.1, Alphonse Areola, has managed just four clean sheets in 21 league outings this term. Questions over his suitability to Potter’s tactical demands make the pursuit of Kelleher logical — perhaps even necessary.

Liverpool prepared to sanction exit

From Liverpool’s perspective, the club are not expected to stand in his way. Kelleher’s professionalism, patience and impact in key matches — not least in domestic cup campaigns — have earned him credit with both coaches and supporters.

“But it does work both ways,” Kelleher reflected. “If you do well your valuation goes up because obviously the club is going to want a good profit.”

With the player under contract and the transfer window opening on 1 June, Liverpool have time on their side — but not necessarily the leverage they once held. A deal at £20m could represent value for all parties.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Liverpool supporters have long appreciated Caoimhin Kelleher not just for his shot-stopping, but for his temperament. Whether it’s Wembley finals or Carabao Cup clashes under pressure, the Irishman has never looked flustered. He’s one of those rare understudies who never lets the standard drop.

But here’s the reality: at 26, he needs to be more than a No.2. With Alisson still operating at an elite level and Mamardashvili on the way, Kelleher’s pathway at Anfield has narrowed. In many ways, this summer feels like the perfect time for a clean break.

West Ham would offer him Premier League minutes under a coach with a reputation for developing intelligent players. From an emotional point of view, it’s hard to let him go — but footballing logic says it’s time. And for £20m, it’s a deal that feels fair for everyone involved.

Let’s be honest — if he weren’t already our player, Liverpool fans would be asking why we weren’t in for him.