Caoimhin Kelleher has hinted he could look to leave Liverpool this summer with the goalkeeper searching for number one status.
The Republic of Ireland international made 26 appearances in all competitions during the 2023-24 campaign, a career-best season for the shot-stopper who thrived in the absence of the injured Alisson.
Kelleher made more appearances last season than he had in the previous four combined, including a frustrating 2022-23 season that saw Liverpool exit both cup competitions early and leave his role limited.
The 25-year-old has spoken on the importance of a prolonged run of games this season and said he has proven that he belongs at Premier League level. Celtic and Nottingham Forest are two of the clubs who have been heavily linked.
“It was the first time in my career that I’d had a spell like that and I loved it,” he told The Athletic.
“I thrived on it. I’d been waiting for a moment like that. It was a massive opportunity for me to be Liverpool’s number one for that long.
“It was my time to show the level I believe I can perform at and the level people at the club think I’m able to play at. I proved that I’m good enough to play in the Premier League — I’m comfortable there. I’ve always had that belief in myself. Proving it to people was satisfying.”
Kelleher was outstanding in Liverpool’s Carabao Cup final win over Chelsea in February, producing a brilliant point-blank save from Cole Palmer as the Reds won 1-0 in extra-time at Wembley.
It was the second League Cup final success the Irishman has been a part of and he said his ambition is to go on and become a number one goalkeeper.
“It ended up being our only trophy of the season so that made it even more special and keeping a clean sheet that day was vital.
“Playing against Man City at home (the 1-1 draw at Anfield in March) was another big one for me with the rivalry between us. You’re not going to play in a more high-profile game than that in world football and I thought I did really well. You think, ‘Yeah, I’m capable of doing this every week at a high level’. I got the taste for it and I want to do it all the time. My main ambition is to be a number one.
“It would be great if that happened at Liverpool, but I’m not silly. I know that Ali has been the best goalkeeper in the world for years.
“I’ve had such an amazing time at Liverpool. It’s been a crazy journey for me and one that I’ve absolutely loved. I love the club, I love the fans and I have a great relationship with the players and the staff. Whether it’s here at Liverpool or somewhere else, I do feel the next step for me is to be a number one.”
