'The problem you've got': Mark Schwarzer says there's a Liverpool player could soon leave because he's too good
11/12/2024 10:00 AM
Caoimhin Kelleher has found himself as a regular fixture in Liverpool, starting XI this season, with Alisson Becker out due to injury.
Despite the Republic of Ireland international’s status as backup keeper at Anfield, the 26-year-old goalkeeper has been quite sensational for the Reds, with Ibrahima Konate recently praising Kelleher after his latest Liverpool performance against Aston Villa.
With Steve McManaman also impressed by Kelleher’s display on Saturday, the Liverpool shot-stopper is making quite a name for himself this season between the sticks on Merseyside, with Alisson’s absence hardly noticed.
And former Premier League goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer has now shared if Kelleher is close to becoming even better than Alisson.
Kelleher ‘really close’ to reaching Alisson’s level at Liverpool
Speaking on the Optus Sport Football Podcast, the former Chelsea and Fulham star claimed that Kelleher is ‘really close’ to reaching the same level as Alisson, though the Brazil international is still ahead for the time being.
Schwarzer said: "Is he better than Alisson? He is really, really close. And I think Alisson still for me pips it, but I still think it's close, I think it's getting closer, and I think the more the games go on, the more performances he puts under his belt, you could say he also is the future, right?
READ MORE: Everything to know on Liverpool's Alisson Becker from his wife to net worth
“The problem you’ve got with someone like Kelleher is that the longer you say: ‘Keep going, you are the future’ but don't play week in week out, the more the itch will be to move on, the more the frustration will come in because you keep saying about, I am the future, but if I am not going to play every week, where do I go with this?
“And if there is a really attractive offer that comes along, he could be banging on the door to try and leave."
Liverpool could earn millions from selling Kelleher next year
With Kelleher’s future at Liverpool often in the spotlight, 2025 is feeling like the year the Ireland international will leave Anfield for good having established himself this season as a top Premier League goalkeeper.
And for Liverpool, Arne Slot’s side could end up earning millions from the sale of Kelleher, who this year is proving to be a good option for any top Premier League of European side looking to side a new starting goalkeeper.
Indeed, Kelleher won’t be short of options next year, and the Irish superstar will have his pick for his next destination once the summer transfer window rolls around in 2025.
