Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher has admitted his future at Liverpool isn't in his hands.
Kelleher has been second choice for Liverpool for a number of years now, and it has been expected for a while that he would seek a new challenge away from the club.
However, despite previous links to Brentford and Tottenham, the Cork native remains Liverpool's second-choice goalkeeper.
Many expect Kelleher to leave eventually, a belief strengthened by Liverpool’s recent signing of Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, who is set to join the club next year.
Those familiar with Mamardashvili believe he is good enough to challenge Alisson Becker for the number one spot next season.
Today, during a press conference ahead of Ireland's game against Greece, Kelleher was asked about his situation at Liverpool and hinted strongly that he may not be at the club next year.
"I've made it clear in the last few years that I want to go and be number one and play week in, week out," said Kelleher.
"The club has made the decision to sign another goalkeeper, and from the outside looking in, it seems they've chosen to go in a different direction."
'Sometimes from the outside looking in, it looks like that's 100% my decision but at times it's not always in my hands'
Caoimhín Kelleher confirms he was keen to leave Liverpool this summer but the club rejected a number of bids pic.twitter.com/XpzdyB6KRw— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) September 9, 2024
Many believe Kelleher has the skillset to become a first-choice goalkeeper—a sentiment he echoed during the media session in Dublin. It now appears to be a matter of when, not if, the Corkman departs Liverpool.
"Sometimes, from the outside looking in, it seems like it's 100% my decision, but it's not always in my hands," he added.
"It's been reported that Liverpool have rejected a few bids as well. My ambition is clear: I think I'm good enough, and I want to go out and prove it."
Ireland takes on Greece tomorrow at 7:45 pm. The team will then travel to Finland for their next fixture on October 10. Just three days later, on October 13, Ireland will face Greece again, this time away.
Their penultimate match will be on November 14, when they host Finland. Finally, Ireland will conclude their group stage on November 17 with a match against England.
Republic of Ireland Squad: Greece
Goalkeepers:
Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth), Max O'Leary (Bristol City).
Defenders:
Festy Ebosele (Watford), Matt Doherty (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Dara O'Shea (Ipswich Town), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Jake O'Brien (Everton), Andrew Omobamidele (Nottingham Forest), Liam Scales (Celtic), Callum O'Dowda (Cardiff City), Robbie Brady (Preston North End).
Midfielders:
Will Smallbone (Southampton), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Alan Browne (Sunderland), Jason Knight (Bristol City), Kasey McAteer (Leicester City).
Attackers:
Adam Idah (Celtic), Evan Ferguson (Brighton and Hove Albion), Sammie Szmodics (Ipswich Town), Chiedozie Ogbene (Ipswich Town), Callum Robinson (Cardiff City), Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar).
UEFA Nations League: Fixture
10/09: Ireland vs. Greece, Aviva Stadium, 7.45pm
See More: Caoimhin Kelleher, Football, Ireland
