Brentford have secured a significant addition to their squad with the signing of Caoimhin Kelleher from Liverpool in a deal worth an initial £12.5 million. The fee could rise to nearly £20 million with performance-related add-ons. The 26-year-old Republic of Ireland international will replace Mark Flekken, who is heading to Bayer Leverkusen for around £11 million.
After several years of playing second fiddle to Alisson Becker, Kelleher has finally landed the opportunity he’s been waiting for: a starting role at a Premier League club. His performances during Alisson’s injury spell earlier this season caught attention, with some even calling for him to retain the No.1 jersey.
Though Liverpool were reluctant to part ways with a player considered one of the top backup keepers in the league, Kelleher made his intentions clear. He was no longer willing to spend another season on the bench and expressed his desire for more consistent playing time.
The switch to Brentford means manager Thomas Frank will now have a new first-choice goalkeeper as the team reshapes its squad for the upcoming season. Kelleher, who made his debut for Liverpool in 2019 and featured in just 67 games, is expected to thrive with regular action in West London.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have prepared for his departure. Giorgi Mamardashvili, who spent an additional year at Valencia following a transfer agreement last summer, is set to arrive at Anfield. The Georgian international will serve as backup to Alisson starting next season.
Several Premier League clubs had shown interest in Kelleher, including Tottenham, Aston Villa, and Chelsea. However, Brentford moved quickly and decisively to land the talented shot-stopper.
Kelleher’s national team manager, Heimir Hallgrimsson, had previously shared his hope that the goalkeeper would move to a club where he could play regularly, emphasizing the importance of game time at this stage of his career.