Liverpool transfer news: Caoimhin Kelleher urged to leave Reds by national team manager

The 26-year-old has featured on eight occasions in the Premier League for the Reds this season, largely due to the hamstring injury suffered by Alisson Becker.

Since the return of the Brazilian from the medical room, Kelleher has taken his spot back on the bench for top flight and Champions League matches.

Following his academy graduation in 2018, the Irishman has managed 59 competitive appearances for the Reds, never breaking into the preferred XI of either Jurgen Klopp or new boss Arne Slot.

That being said, Kelleher is set to make his 60th appearance for Liverpool on Wednesday night, when they travel to face Southampton in an EFL Cup quarter-final.

"Play somewhere else" - Irish boss urges Kelleher to leave Liverpool

Playing second fiddle to Alisson on Merseyside, Kelleher is a regular starter on the international scene, earning 20 caps for the Republic of Ireland since 2018.

Current manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has recently expressed his opinions on the 26-year-old's situation at Liverpool ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualification campaign.

"I will answer this question the same way whoever it is; as a national team coach, you would always like to see your players playing. We would like our players to play. It is the same with Caoimhin," Hallgrimsson stated.

"We do not know if he is going to play games for Liverpool even though he has done brilliantly. Should he go and try to play somewhere else? It applies to everyone. For a national team coach, of course you would like your players to be playing all the time."

Kelleher and the Republic of Ireland begin their quest for a place in North America in 2026 with a jaunt to Bulgaria at the end of March.

Who could Kelleher play for?

Despite being second choice to Alisson at Anfield, Kelleher has proven his worth on the big stage, playing a massive part in Liverpool's EFL Cup success of 2021-22.

Also a regular on the international scene, the shot-stopper is without a doubt ready to take the reins in between the sticks for a top-flight club.

A move abroad could be an option for Kelleher, or perhaps a switch to a Premier League side who are battling at the wrong end of the standings.

Written by

Carter White