A top Liverpool star may never play for the club again following the brutal 2-1 loss to Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final.
Caoimhin Kelleher’s Liverpool Career in Doubt After Carabao Cup Final Defeat
Liverpool’s 2-1 loss to Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley may have marked the end of Caoimhin Kelleher’s time at the club. The defeat, which saw Newcastle claim their first trophy in 70 years, comes just days after Liverpool’s Champions League exit at the hands of PSG in a dramatic penalty shootout at Anfield.
A Farewell Appearance for Kelleher?
As is tradition in domestic cup competitions, Kelleher started ahead of Alisson Becker in goal for the final. However, he was unable to stop Dan Burn and Alexander Isak from securing the win for the Magpies.
With Liverpool now out of the FA Cup and just nine Premier League matches remaining, Kelleher may not feature again this season. Since Alisson remains the first-choice keeper, the Irishman could have already played his final game for the club.
Bournemouth Leading the Race for Kelleher
Reports suggest that Kelleher is likely to leave Liverpool this summer, with Bournemouth emerging as the frontrunners to sign him. The Cherries are reportedly keen on securing a replacement for Kepa Arrizabalaga, who will return to Chelsea after his loan spell ends.
However, Chelsea, Newcastle, and Tottenham Hotspur have also been linked with the 26-year-old, meaning Liverpool could receive multiple offers from within the Premier League.
If Kelleher departs, it will mark the end of his impressive tenure as Liverpool’s trusted backup keeper, having played a key role in past cup triumphs. Will this summer bring the long-anticipated move that allows him to become a
Liverpool Set to Allow Kelleher’s Exit as Mamardashvili’s Arrival Looms
If Caoimhin Kelleher decides to leave Liverpool this summer, the club is expected to grant his request, especially with the anticipated arrival of Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Slot Justifies Kelleher’s Carabao Cup Final Start
Liverpool manager Arne Slot explained why Kelleher was selected for the Carabao Cup final, reaffirming the club’s approach to cup competitions.
“It wasn’t difficult. It was only once when I played Alisson [in the League Cup], and that was only when he had been out injured and needed playing time to be back to his best. For all the other games, we have played the second choice,” Slot said.
“That was Jaros when Caoimhin was the No.1. Caoimhin has always done so well, so he deserves to play in this one.”
With Bournemouth, Chelsea, Newcastle, and Tottenham reportedly interested in Kelleher, his future at Anfield seems increasingly uncertain. If he leaves, Liverpool’s goalkeeping situation will shift with Mamardashvili likely to arrive as Alisson’s new deputy.
