Journalist: Liverpool set asking price for star goalkeeper ahead of summer exit | OneFootball

Liverpool Set Caoimhin Kelleher Asking Price – Summer Exit Looms

Liverpool are preparing for the departure of Caoimhin Kelleher in the upcoming transfer window, with the club reportedly setting an asking price of £30-40 million, according to Football Insider’s Peter O’Rourke. Interest is mounting from Newcastle, Chelsea, and clubs overseas as the Republic of Ireland international eyes a move away from Anfield.

Kelleher’s Future Uncertain as Contract Nears End

With just 12 months remaining on his current deal and no intention of signing an extension, Kelleher’s time on Merseyside appears to be drawing to a close. The 26-year-old has served as an admirable deputy to Alisson Becker but is now keen to secure a starting role elsewhere. As Football Insider states: “It is believed Liverpool value Kelleher at £30-40million after his development at Anfield in recent years.”

This valuation reflects both his performances in cup competitions and his ability to step up in crucial moments, including penalty shootout heroics in Liverpool’s 2022 Carabao Cup triumph. His 17 appearances this season, in which he has kept eight clean sheets while conceding 15 goals, underline his credentials as a high-quality option for potential suitors.

Photo: IMAGO

Strategic Sale for Liverpool

Selling Kelleher would represent pure profit for Liverpool, given his rise through the club’s youth system. This windfall could prove crucial as the Reds look to reinvest in the squad under new boss Arne Slot. With Giorgi Mamardashvili expected to arrive as Alisson’s new deputy, Kelleher’s pathway to first-team football at Anfield is effectively blocked.

The likes of Newcastle and Chelsea could benefit from his availability, with both clubs looking to strengthen their goalkeeping options. As Football Insider notes, “all signs” point to Kelleher making a summer exit.

Jota’s Future Also Under Scrutiny

Kelleher might not be the only high-profile departure this summer, as Liverpool are reportedly open to offers for Diogo Jota. Arsenal are among the clubs monitoring the Portuguese forward, whose persistent injury struggles have frustrated the Anfield hierarchy. With Jota missing 15 games this season alone, the club could be willing to cash in while his value remains high.

Photo: IMAGO

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

For many Liverpool fans, Kelleher’s impending departure feels inevitable. His performances in Alisson’s absence have been stellar, and at 26, he deserves a shot at being a number-one goalkeeper. There is a sense of expectation, not just for his exit but for the club to receive a respectable fee in return.

A valuation of £30-40 million seems fair given his Premier League and European experience. However, Liverpool supporters will hope the club does not undercut his value, especially with a goalkeeper market that has seen significant fees for less-proven talents in recent years.

Kelleher’s departure raises another crucial question: Will Liverpool adequately reinvest the funds? While Mamardashvili’s arrival softens the blow, fans will demand that any sale contributes to squad improvements in other areas, such as midfield or attack.

The Jota situation, meanwhile, is equally frustrating. When fit, he is an elite-level forward with a killer instinct in front of goal. But his persistent injury issues raise doubts about his long-term reliability. Selling him would be a calculated risk, as Liverpool are unlikely to find an easy replacement for his goal contributions.

Ultimately, the summer transfer window promises to be a crucial period for Liverpool as they navigate significant squad changes. Kelleher’s expected exit is just the beginning.