Kelleher 'open to all options' but situation must be right to leave Liverpool
Caoimhin Kelleher during a press conference ahead of Ireland's games against Hungary and Portugal. Picture: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne
As someone whose extracurricular ambition is gracing the fairways of Augusta, Caoimhín Kelleher finally realises faraway fields than Liverpool can be greener.
The Corkman’s discomfort is evident when talking of himself at a different club but he’s coming to terms with the end of his loyal Liverpool service looming.
Indications from Anfield this week about Saudi offers for Alisson being rebuffed confirm what the Corkman fears and more importantly a situation at 25 he deems no longer bearable for his career.
The goalkeeper’s valuation was already in the eight-figure bracket before last season’s strides, 14 consecutive appearances among a personal peak of 26 for the campaign.
This time last year, his Ireland manager Stephen Kenny predicted a summer exit for the stopper and though Jürgen Klopp demurred, Arne Slot is unlikely to enjoy similar success.
Kelleher will be playing top-flight football come hell or high water in August, prioritising practicality over a proud history of moving to Merseyside as a 15-year-old from Ringmahon Rangers.
When these pair of internationals against Hungary and Portugal – which he’s in line to start - are completed, the Leesider will have the words readied for the new Pool boss.
“I’m open to all options,” he declared, speaking in Dublin on Friday following Ireland’s first training session of this window.
“I’ll need to speak to the new manager and the new people at the club who are coming in.
“Conversations will be had with them first before anything else happens.
“If I do move, everything must be right for myself; the right club and the right thing for myself.
“That could be in England or abroad. To make the right decision, it must be a good fit for myself, most importantly.
“I’m at that stage in my career where I need to make that next step and play week in, week out. Wanting to be No 1 is really a reflection on the season and ambitions.”
When the eventual options are tabled, his prime confidant will be domestic. Girlfriend Eimear Murphy has been by his side since his teens and her impartiality is critical.
“My partner is a big help for me,” he said, also noting his brother Fiachra’s knowledge of football transfers. “She’s a really intelligent person so I can always talk to her.” Klopp was the one who did all the talking in the final hours of the last transfer window.
Relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest were aware of Kelleher’s predicament when they lodged a £15m bid but the tunnel-vision of chasing a quadruple quashed a deal.
“I came off the back of last season and had only played a handful of games, so my intention was to get out and play some games,” he said about his mindset.
“The club and the manager saw it differently. January is such a busy time; bids were coming in in the last few days of the transfer window but me myself I knew nothing was going to come of that. They needed to be in a position to have a replacement ready.
“I ended up staying - which has worked out for the best, to be fair.”
That blitz of matches, adding another Carabao Cup to his medal chest, may have skyrocketed his reputation but even in his humblest tone the desire to thrive at top level was resolute.
“There was never any internal doubt from myself,” he asserts about his rise to become a target for other top-half Premier League outfits.
“I think anyone at Liverpool would be the same; it was moreso me getting the opportunity to prove to everyone else that I’m good enough to play at this level.
“My main objective was showing others what I could do.
“It’s very difficult in the goalkeeping position where a lot of is relying on decisions and game sharpness so it was nice to start so many games. I was always waiting for that opportunity.
“Clubs will have been looking as well and seen me play so there’ll hopefully be some interest elsewhere. That’s given me a lot of confidence and I think that time is right now.” Well after that, bucket list items await.
He got to the Ally Pally around to see Luke Littler master the art of a Darts trade he hold a maximum check of 120.
“I’m a bit of a sports head to be honest,” he explained. “I like to try and watch anything. I’d like to go to the Masters some day - maybe when I stop playing.” A bit later than his critics wanted, he’s only getting started.
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