Liverpool manager Arne Slot has acknowledged that Caoimhin Kelleher may have to make a decision about his future at the club following the signing of Giorgi Mamardashvili for £29 million. Mamardashvili, who joins from Valencia, will remain on loan at his current club for the 2024/25 season before joining Liverpool next year to challenge Alisson for the No. 1 spot. This suggests that Kelleher’s time at the club may be coming to an end, especially considering his desire to be a first-choice goalkeeper and the fact that his contract expires in 2026.
When asked about Mamardashvili’s signing and its impact on Kelleher, Slot responded by saying, “Maybe, but we have to make decisions as well. It’s not only the player.” He emphasized the importance of competition and the need for a strong squad at a club like Liverpool. Slot expressed his satisfaction with the current goalkeeping options, including Kelleher, and highlighted Mamardashvili as a long-term investment for the club.
While some fans have questioned Liverpool’s decision to sign Mamardashvili without addressing other positions such as center-back and defensive midfield, Slot defended the move as a way to future-proof the squad. He praised the club’s history of making signings for the long-term future and cited Mamardashvili as an example of this strategy.
Nottingham Forest recently made a bid for Kelleher, which was promptly rejected by Liverpool. The offer fell significantly below the club’s valuation of the player, which is believed to be between £25 million and £30 million. It remains to be seen whether Forest will return with a higher bid on the deadline day or if Liverpool would be willing to let Kelleher leave this late in the transfer window.
Overall, it appears that Kelleher’s future at Liverpool is uncertain due to the arrival of Mamardashvili. While Slot recognizes the need for competition and a strong squad, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold. Liverpool’s decision to sign Mamardashvili as a long-term investment reflects their commitment to building for the future, even if it means potentially parting ways with talented players like Kelleher.