£20m Liverpool Transfer Moves Closer after Fabrizio Romano's Latest Report
Caoimhin Kelleher Poised for Liverpool Exit as Brentford Circle
As Liverpool look to shape their squad ahead of a fresh campaign under Arne Slot, it appears the winds of change are finally sweeping through the goalkeeping department. Caoimhin Kelleher, long heralded as one of the Premier League's most reliable back-ups and valued at around £20million., could soon be heading for the Anfield exit — with Brentford waiting in the wings.
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This development is not unexpected. Kelleher has made no secret of his desire to step out of Alisson Becker's sizeable shadow, and it now looks as though the stars have aligned for the Irish international to realise his ambitions.
Photo: IMAGO
Brentford Ready to Pounce as Flekken Departs
According to renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano, Brentford are on the verge of selling Mark Flekken to Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth around £8.43 million (€10 million). With medical tests reportedly imminent, Brentford will be left with a glaring vacancy between the sticks.
That, in turn, has opened the door for Kelleher. Sky Sports have reported that the Liverpool goalkeeper is Brentford's primary target to replace the outgoing Dutchman, and talks are expected to accelerate once Flekken's transfer is finalised.
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Romano's post on X (formerly Twitter) noted,
'Bayer Leverkusen agree deal to sign Mark Flekken as new goalkeeper, all set to be sealed with Brentford.
It was always the plan to bring in new GK and it's now all done for €10m transfer fee.
Medical tests to follow shortly.'
It is a move that makes sense for all involved. Brentford get a capable Premier League-ready goalkeeper, and Kelleher finally has the platform to prove himself as a number one.
Kelleher's Time to Shine
The 26-year-old, who played a key role in Liverpool's domestic cup successes in recent seasons, has consistently voiced his aspirations to become a regular starter.
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'I've said it before as well that I feel like I'm good enough to be a number one and I feel like I'm good enough to play week in week out, and that's what I'm looking to do,' Kelleher told Optus Sport.
'This season I was lucky enough to play a lot of games but it's definitely something I'm looking at.'
Photo: IMAGO
Those comments came after Liverpool secured their second Premier League title in five years, this time under new boss Arne Slot, who has hit the ground running in his first season in English football.
Despite the accolades, Kelleher has made just sporadic appearances over the years, often filling in during cup ties or when Alisson has been unavailable. While he has impressed on those occasions — even earning a spot on the goalkeepers' wall at Kirkby — the arrival of Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia effectively seals his fate.
Liverpool's Valuation and Brentford's Opportunity
Liverpool are understood to be open to selling Kelleher for offers north of £20 million. For a homegrown player under contract until 2026, this represents a reasonable, if somewhat modest, valuation.
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In today's inflated market, it is rare to find a goalkeeper with Premier League experience, a calm head in high-pressure matches, and years ahead of him, all for a fee that won't break the bank. Brentford, ever pragmatic in their recruitment, may see this as an opportunity too good to miss.
From Liverpool's perspective, the timing is right. Mamardashvili's arrival allows the club to recalibrate their squad without jeopardising their depth. For Kelleher, a move to West London may finally grant him the chance to demonstrate his true ceiling.
Final Thoughts
Caoimhin Kelleher's Liverpool story has been one of patience, professionalism and perseverance. He has delivered when called upon and never kicked up a fuss when overlooked. But even the most loyal of deputies deserves their moment in the spotlight.
With Brentford in need and Liverpool ready to deal, it looks as though that moment is fast approaching.
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