“Medical Scheduled” – Sky Sports Confirm Latest Liverpool Transfer | OneFootball

Caoimhin Kelleher Set for Brentford Switch in £18m Deal

Sky Sports has confirmed a move that many had expected but none were truly ready for – Caoimhin Kelleher is departing Liverpool after seven memorable seasons at Anfield. The 26-year-old Irish international will undergo a medical today ahead of his transfer to Brentford, who are securing his services for a fee potentially rising to £18 million.

Long-Awaited First-Team Dream Becoming Reality

Kelleher’s departure is not a shock, but it’s still significant. Liverpool fans have long appreciated his calm presence and reliability between the sticks, especially in cup competitions where he delivered defining moments. He earned cult status with shootout performances in the 2022 and 2024 League Cup finals, showing nerves of steel on both occasions.

“It’s really special. Nice atmosphere today with the whole crowd and I made a few appearances this season so it’s nice to win something at the end of the season,” said Kelleher after Liverpool lifted the title at Anfield last month.

His comments also hinted at a desire for change: “I’ve said it before, I feel like I’m a number one and I think I’m good enough to play week in and week out… That’s what I’m looking to do.”

For a player of his quality and ambition, sitting behind Alisson Becker year after year was never going to be sustainable, even if he was one of the most dependable number twos in Premier League history.

Photo: IMAGO

Brentford’s Gain: Kelleher to Replace Flekken

Brentford are signing a goalkeeper with experience, confidence and the maturity to command a backline. With Mark Flekken moving to Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth £8.4 million, the Bees needed a reliable replacement. And they have acted swiftly.

“Brentford have agreed an initial £12.5m deal with Liverpool to sign Caoimhin Kelleher,” Sky Sports’ Lyall Thomas reports.

“Performance-related add-ons could take the eventual fee to £18m.”

Crucially, those bonuses include £2 million for 20+ Premier League starts and £1.5 million if Brentford qualify for Europe. Both targets are realistic given Kelleher’s ambition and the trajectory of Thomas Frank’s team.

Smart Business for All Parties

With only one year remaining on his Liverpool contract, the timing of this transfer works for everyone involved. Liverpool cash in before losing him for free, and Brentford pick up a top-tier talent for a cut-price deal in today’s market.

Although his 47 appearances for the Reds came sporadically, Kelleher’s composure and distribution always impressed. Liverpool’s recruitment of Georgian international Giorgi Mamardashvili this summer was the final indication that Kelleher’s time was coming to an end.

Photo: IMAGO

But the admiration from Liverpool supporters remains – and deservedly so. He leaves with his head held high, trophies in hand and the best years of his career still ahead.

Kelleher’s Next Chapter Begins

At 26, Kelleher is entering his prime. Brentford is an excellent platform – a stable Premier League club with an upward trajectory and a manager who values intelligence and consistency. If he performs as expected, those performance clauses may be activated sooner rather than later.

His evolution from academy prospect to cup final hero and now Premier League starter has been a patient journey. It’s time for Kelleher to prove what many already believe – that he’s not just a capable backup, but a legitimate number one.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

As Liverpool fans, this is one of those moves that feels right, but still stings. Caoimhin Kelleher wasn’t just a backup goalkeeper – he was our backup, and a rare one at that. Calm under pressure, capable of huge moments, and never one to complain, he symbolised the strength of our squad and the faith our club places in its youth.

From his League Cup heroics to his quiet brilliance when deputising for Alisson, Kelleher earned our trust completely. His belief that he could be a number one wasn’t arrogance – it was evident to anyone who watched him. The saves, the passing range, the game intelligence – it was all there.

But with Arne Slot now at the helm and Liverpool evolving once more, it’s the right time. Mamardashvili’s arrival was a clear signal, and with a year left on his deal, we’ve done sensible business. Brentford are getting a fantastic professional, and we’ll be watching him closely – proud of what he’s done for us, and hopeful for what he’ll achieve.

And maybe, just maybe, we’ll see him back at Anfield one day. For now, we say thank you, Caoimhin. YNWA.