With a summer departure now certain, the Carabao Cup final loss to Newcastle might be the last appearance for a flawless great wearing a Liverpool shirt. When it counted most on Sunday, Liverpool put on one of their poorest performances of the season. In every way, Newcastle outplayed and outsmarted the Reds, and Eddie Howe’s team emerged victorious in regular time.
With the Irishman emerging as Liverpool’s regular cup keeper over the previous three seasons, reserve goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher was called up to the starting lineup. Even though he isn’t a frequent starter, the 26-year-old has proven to be one of the best goalkeepers in the league by skillfully filling in for Alisson Becker during the Brazilian’s sporadic injury absences.
Alisson is still perhaps the best goalkeeper in the world, and Giorgi Mamardashvili will be joining from Valencia in the summer, so Kelleher’s future is likely to be spent away from Anfield. Because Liverpool is out of the FA Cup and Champions League, Kelleher’s performance at Wembley might be his last.
Faultless Liverpool star may never play for Reds again
It’s been a difficult week for us, but perhaps the internationals are a good opportunity for us to take a break and simply clear our brains before returning in two weeks rejuvenated and ready to play, the Reds goalkeeper told Liverpool FC.com. After that, the Republic of Ireland international sent Kopites a strong 15-word message that said, “We’ll be ready to go because we have big things to play for when we get back.”
Kelleher’s prior statements that he is dissatisfied with being a backup help to fuel the exit fire. Speaking in late 2024, Kelleher stated, “Last summer, I made it quite plain that I wanted to play football for the first team, whether it was here or somewhere else. To be No. 1 was my goal.
Since I am obviously a football player and I want to play like all players, that was my thought process, but that has always been my thought process. Sitting on the bench, I will not be content or have fun. Now, I’ve demonstrated my level in numerous games. For me, playing every week, every week, is the next stage.
