'IT'S A GOOD THING' - ARNE SLOT PRAISES CAOIMHIN KELLEHER DESPITE LIVERPOOL GOALKEEPER REVEALING THAT HE WANTS TO LEAVE ANFIELD

WHAT HAPPENED?

The signing of Giorgi Mamardashvili was sanctioned by Slot, signalling the club’s intention to secure a long-term replacement for Alisson in the coming years. Although Mamardashvili will remain at Valencia for one more season on loan, his future arrival at Anfield has cast doubt on Kelleher's role at the club.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Speaking openly about his situation, Kelleher did not shy away from expressing his disappointment, admitting that he may now seek to leave Liverpool in search of more consistent opportunities elsewhere. The Irish goalkeeper has spent much of his Liverpool career as a backup to Alisson and is now prepared to seek a fresh challenge where he will be the No.1 choice.

WHAT SLOT SAID

Despite Kelleher's public desire to leave, Slot has been full of admiration for the goalkeeper’s professionalism.

"I would be worried if a player said they didn't want to play first-team football and wanted to stay on the bench for life," the Dutch coach said before facing Nottingham Forest.

"It's normal but it's also normal that a club like this that competes for trophies has more than 11 who can play. So it is about helping the team when they have to and Caoimhin has shown many times that he is ready when we need him. It's a good thing he wants to play. It's clear Alisson is No.1 but it's a normal situation to be in and he has handled it really well."

DID YOU KNOW?

Forest reportedly made a bid to sign the Irish goalkeeper, but Liverpool rejected the offer, much to Kelleher’s frustration.

"It’s been reported that Liverpool have rejected a few bids as well. My ambition is clear that I think I’m good enough and I want to go out and prove it," he said.

"Sometimes from the outside looking in, it looks like that’s 100% my decision but at times it’s not always in my hands."

WHAT NEXT FOR KELLEHER?

With Mamardashvili set to join Liverpool next season, Kelleher may feel that his time at the club is coming to an end. At 25 years old, the goalkeeper is entering the prime of his career and will be eager to establish himself as a first-choice keeper somewhere else if the opportunity at Liverpool does not materialise. January could represent a turning point for Kelleher, as he may look to secure a move away from Anfield during the winter transfer window. With several clubs in need of a reliable goalkeeper, Kelleher could attract interest from Premier League teams and beyond.