Liverpool’s dependable backup goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher is expected to leave Anfield in search of regular first-team football this summer.
With Valencia’s Giorgi Mamardashvili incoming and Alisson still being one of the best in the world, the writing appears to be on the wall for the 26-year-old Irish international, who is keen to become a number one elsewhere.
Kelleher, who joined Liverpool in 2015, has impressed when called upon, including EFL Cup final heroics in 2022 and 2024 against Chelsea. This season, he even saved a Kylian Mbappé penalty in a 2-0 Champions League win over Real Madrid.
Kelleher even made his ambitions known at the start of the season following the news of Mamardashvili’s signing, stating: “I’ve made it clear in the last few years that I want to go and be a No. 1 and play week in, week out.”
With a reported £40 million price tag, the Irish international has plenty of suitors. Here are five clubs that could be in the race for the Premier League winning keeper.
Leeds United: Kelleher Could Replace Meslier
Leeds United may be back in the Premier League, but survival will require more than just Championship momentum.
Daniel Farke’s side impressed across the board this season — leading the division in goals per match, possession, expected goals, touches in the opposition box, and accurate passes. Their dominance in build-up play and attacking phases was rarely in doubt.
However, one position stood out as a weak link: the goalkeeper. Illan Meslier, once regarded as a top prospect, has struggled for consistency. Costly mistakes against Sunderland and Swansea put a dent in Leeds’ potential of breaking the Championship points record.
Despite boasting the joint-second most clean sheets in the league (21), Meslier ranked just 17th for goals prevented. That stat points to Leeds’ strong defensive pairing—Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk—masking some of the keeper’s shortcomings. Farke eventually dropped the Frenchman for the title run-in, with veteran Karl Darlow stepping in to steady the ship.
Leeds have since been linked with a double swoop for Liverpool duo Caoimhin Kelleher and Kostas Tsimikas.
Kelleher, in particular, would be a significant upgrade: Premier League-tested, calm under pressure, and well-suited to Farke’s short-passing system. If Meslier departs, Kelleher could be the new and improved anchor at Elland Road.
Aston Villa: Kelleher on Emery’s Radar
The Villains’ resurgence under Unai Emery has been electric, with a Champions League quarter-final and an FA Cup semi-final being the highlights so far.
One of the key players in this journey has been goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, who has been named FIFA’s best goalkeeper twice. However, following a tearful full-time display after Villa’s win over Tottenham, rumours have opened up that the World Cup winner could be on the move this summer.
Martinez, who has made 211 appearances for Aston Villa, has been rumoured to be the subject of transfer interest from both Barcelona and Manchester United. The Red Devils have had their own goalkeeping issues with Andre Onana and backup Altay Bayandir both lacking confidence and looking like liabilities in goal.
Should Martínez leave, Caoimhin Kelleher would be a smart replacement, and the transfer rumours seem to agree.
He’s proven at a Premier League level and has European pedigree — keeping three clean sheets in four Champions League games this season and 14 appearances in European competitions overall.
With Villa pushing to become European regulars, signing Kelleher would be a long-term investment. The move would offer him the spotlight he’s missed at Anfield, and Villa would gain another calm, confident shot-stopper.
Newcastle United: Pope’s Heir Apparent?
As 33-year-old Nick Pope enters the final year of his contract at Newcastle United, manager Eddie Howe faces a looming decision on the club’s long-term future between the posts.
Pope’s injury record is becoming a concern. Over the past two seasons, the England international has missed 40 games due to knee and shoulder problems, disrupting Newcastle’s rhythm during key periods.
With European ambitions now part of the Magpies’ identity, Howe may need to consider whether it’s time for a changing of the guard in goal.
However, a sudden move to replace Pope this summer looks unlikely. The experienced shot-stopper still commands respect within the squad, and Howe is known for backing his senior players. This cautious approach could complicate any pursuit of Caoimhin Kelleher, who has previously stated he wants to join a club where he’ll be an undisputed first choice.
Kelleher’s profile fits Newcastle’s ambitions. With Premier League and European experience under his belt, he’s a natural fit for a team targeting sustained success in both domestic and continental competitions.
But the Magpies also have their eye on another target: James Trafford. The Burnley keeper, fresh off an impressive Championship season, is reportedly available for around £16 million.
Eddie Howe must now weigh his options—back a confident talent with potential, or invest in a more polished, proven performer like Kelleher, who could take Newcastle to the next level.
Bournemouth: Cherries Want a Statement Signing
Yet another Premier League side chasing Caoimhin Kelleher, Bournemouth are reportedly preparing a bold move to sign the Liverpool goalkeeper this summer following their strong finish to the season.
With Kepa Arrizabalaga set to return to Chelsea after his loan ends, Andoni Iraola needs a new No.1. The Cherries are said to be confident they can beat several ‘Big Six’ clubs to Kelleher’s signature, particularly with funds available after Real Madrid signed Dean Huijsen.
Interestingly, Liverpool’s interest in Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez could smooth negotiations. With Arne Slot looking to strengthen his squad to defend their Premier League title, the two clubs could structure a mutually beneficial deal involving both Kerkez and Kelleher.
Despite the lure of guaranteed first-team football, Kelleher may hesitate. Unlike other suitors, Bournemouth will not be in Europe next season, and the Irishman has made it clear he wants to test himself at the highest level.
The Cherries had also been linked with a loan for incoming Liverpool keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, but a permanent move for Kelleher would represent a more ambitious long-term solution—though it could be expensive if a Kerkez swap doesn’t help reduce the price.
Celtic: Rodgers keen on Kelleher
Perhaps the most unlikely destination this summer, Celtic have previously shown interest in the 26-year-old.
Brendan Rodgers is reportedly a long-time admirer of the Liverpool shot-stopper and would welcome him to Glasgow as part of his vision to strengthen the club’s European credentials.
However, Celtic may be priced out of a move. Kelleher is rated at at least £20 million, a figure that could be beyond the Scottish champions’ transfer budget—especially for a goalkeeper, regardless of his Premier League and international pedigree.
Veteran Kasper Schmeichel has been key for Celtic this season, keeping 19 clean sheets in 30 regular SPFL matches and playing a major role in their Champions League campaign, where they narrowly lost to Bayern Munich in the knockout round.
Yet at 38 years old, Schmeichel is nearing the end of his career and will enter the final year of his deal next season. Bringing in Kelleher would signal smart succession planning and offer Celtic a ready-made replacement with years of top-level experience ahead of him.
While European football at Celtic Park would be appealing to Kelleher, the quality of the Scottish Premiership and the potential for another goalkeeping battle could deter him. The decision may ultimately come down to whether he prioritises consistent minutes or the competitiveness of the league.