
EPL Index
·29 May 2025
Brentford could land key target with Liverpool ready to sell

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·29 May 2025
Liverpool are prepared to sanction the departure of Caoimhin Kelleher this summer, with a fee in excess of £20 million set as the asking price for the Republic of Ireland international. As reported by the Liverpool Echo, the 26-year-old goalkeeper has made clear his ambition to play regular first-team football, bringing an end to a patient but ultimately peripheral role behind Alisson Becker.
Photo: IMAGO
Brentford are among the first clubs to make their interest concrete, particularly as current number one Mark Flekken edges closer to a move to Bayer Leverkusen. Internal discussions have already taken place in West London about a bid for Kelleher, who is entering the final 12 months of his contract at Anfield.
Photo IMAGO
Liverpool, having already moved decisively in the goalkeeper market by agreeing a £30 million deal for Valencia’s Giorgi Mamardashvili, are open to offers but will not accept less than their valuation.
Kelleher is not expected to rush into a decision, with interest growing steadily from across the Premier League. Both West Ham United and newly-promoted Leeds United have made their intentions known, while Bournemouth are assessing options after Kepa Arrizabalaga returned to Chelsea following a loan spell.
Photo: IMAGO
Aston Villa also remain a potential destination, depending on the future of Emiliano Martinez, who has been linked with a move to Saudi. Kelleher’s profile as a composed, modern keeper with strong distribution and shot-stopping ability has placed him firmly in the frame for clubs seeking stability between the posts.
Photo IMAGO
After Liverpool’s Premier League season concluded, Kelleher expressed his desire for a fresh start in comments to Optus Sport:
“I think I’ve said it before as well that like, I feel like I’m a number one and I feel like I’m good enough to play week in, week out. That’s what I’m looking to do. Obviously this season I was lucky enough to play a lot of games… but yeah, definitely something I’m looking at.”
His 20 appearances across all competitions this term, including 10 in the Premier League, represented his most active campaign to date. Yet with Alisson expected to remain the undisputed first choice under manager Arne Slot, the pathway for consistent game time is blocked.
The Reds’ preparation for life after Kelleher has been typically methodical. Last year’s agreement with Valencia for Mamardashvili shows Liverpool’s intent to refresh their goalkeeping department with an eye on both present needs and future succession planning.
Photo: IMAGO
Kelleher’s contribution during cup runs and as a reliable deputy has earned him respect within the club. But for both parties, a summer exit now feels inevitable and timely.
Kelleher is more than just a solid backup; he’s proven in high-pressure moments for Liverpool and has Champions League and domestic cup experience under his belt. If Brentford are losing Flekken, this is an ideal replacement.
The quoted £20 million-plus fee is steep, but you’re getting a keeper in his prime, who has spent years developing under one of the best in Alisson. His comments make it clear he’s hungry for the number one shirt, and that hunger will resonate with a Brentford side that prides itself on competitive edge.
With their defensive structure and style of play, Kelleher’s distribution and composure will be a real asset. He fits the profile Brentford tend to pursue – smart business, strong character, and Premier League-ready. If they can get this deal done early, it would be a statement of intent heading into the new campaign.