Sky Sports: Liverpool Star ‘Approached’ by Premier League Club Over £30m Move | OneFootball

Brentford Target Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher as Flekken Nears Bayer Leverkusen Switch

Liverpool’s summer transfer business is already reshaping the squad dynamic, and the goalkeeping department is no exception. With the signing of Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia, the Anfield hierarchy has sent a clear message: the Georgian will now serve as Alisson Becker’s primary competition.

This shift leaves Caoimhin Kelleher in search of first-team football elsewhere. According to Sky Sports News’ Lyall Thomas, Brentford have formally approached Liverpool over signing the Republic of Ireland international. “Brentford have been interested in Kelleher since before they signed Flekken but Liverpool have only been open to selling him since securing Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia last summer.”

It’s a move that has felt inevitable. At 26, Kelleher is ready to break free from the shadow of Alisson and is valued at around £30million. Having been Liverpool’s dependable back-up for several seasons, he is now rightly seeking a No. 1 role, and Brentford looks to be offering him just that.

Brentford Planning for Post-Flekken Era

Mark Flekken’s time at Brentford appears to be nearing its conclusion, with Sky Sports reporting that the Dutchman is close to sealing a move to Bayer Leverkusen. The Bundesliga club, who have just appointed Erik ten Hag as manager, are said to be in advanced discussions with Brentford.

Brentford’s interest in Kelleher is far from opportunistic. “The west London club are open to selling Flekken to the German club,” Sky Sports notes, highlighting a succession plan that may have been quietly forming for some time. In fact, it seems Brentford have admired Kelleher long before their brief affair with Flekken began.

Their strong relationship with Liverpool could play a vital role. Last summer’s successful move for Sepp van den Berg reflects a trust between the two clubs that may smooth over negotiations. With Kelleher keen to make the step up and Brentford needing a reliable shot-stopper, this may be a deal that suits all parties.

Kelleher Deserves First-Team Football

Kelleher’s desire to be a first-choice goalkeeper is both understandable and overdue. While his appearances for Liverpool have been sporadic, they’ve often been accompanied by a composed, assured presence. His penalty shootout heroics in the 2022 EFL Cup final are still fresh in the memory of many Reds.

With Mamardashvili arriving to push Alisson, there is no longer a viable pathway for Kelleher to secure regular minutes at Liverpool. Brentford’s Premier League stability and attractive style of play make them an ideal landing spot for a goalkeeper entering his peak years.

Photo: IMAGO

At 26, Kelleher’s career cannot afford another two or three years on the bench. The timing feels right, and Brentford’s pressing need only adds to the inevitability of this move.

Smooth Business Benefits All Sides

Liverpool’s long-term planning is evident here. By bringing in Mamardashvili, they have ensured depth behind Alisson while also maximising the value of a talented asset in Kelleher.

For Brentford, the proactive approach to Flekken’s potential departure shows the kind of transfer agility often praised in their recruitment model. If Kelleher arrives and settles quickly, this could go down as one of the more astute bits of business this window.

With “discussions also underway” over Flekken’s departure, the wheels are clearly in motion.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool supporter’s perspective, this report from Sky Sports stirs mixed emotions. On one hand, you can’t help but feel proud of Caoimhin Kelleher. He’s been the consummate professional—quietly waiting his turn, stepping up when called upon, and never letting the badge down. His performance in the EFL Cup final alone carved out a small but cherished place in Anfield folklore.

But now, as Arne Slot ushers in a new era—fresh off a stunning Premier League title in his debut season—it’s hard to ignore the brutal realities of elite football. Kelleher wants to play, and he deserves to play. We cannot hold onto players for sentiment’s sake, especially when the club has already taken steps to plan for the future.

Brentford would be a great fit. It’s a club that values possession-based play, encourages composure at the back, and would allow Kelleher to grow without the suffocating pressure of a ‘Big Six’ club. Ideally, we’d insert a buy-back clause or future sell-on percentage. He’s too good to let go without smart insurance.

This is one of those moves that’s bittersweet—but ultimately, it’s the right call. Kelleher leaves with the best wishes of every Red.