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‘It’s time’ – Liverpool star urged to join Chelsea in deal worth £35m


Liverpool FC v Real Madrid C.F. - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD5

Liverpool manager Arne Slot (Picture: Getty)

Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher has been told ‘it’s time’ to think about leaving Anfield and that joining Chelsea would be a superb ‘opportunity’ for both parties.

Kelleher has started Liverpool’s last eight games after coming in for the injured Alisson Becker, who pulled up during the victory over Crystal Palace on October 5.

Alisson is believed to closing in on a return from the treatment room but, speaking earlier this week, Anfield boss Arne Slot confirmed he would still be out this weekend when Liverpool face title rivals and defending Premier League champions Manchester City.

Slot will face an intriguing selection decision once Alisson does return as Kelleher has largely impressed in the Brazilian’s absence, attracting praise from pundits and fans for his performances in-between the sticks.

But Alisson has been Liverpool’s No. 1 for more than six years and is considered one of the best goalkeepers in the world, having played a key role in the club’s Premier League and Champions League wins under Jurgen Klopp.

The likelihood is that Alisson will come straight back in, leaving Kelleher in a position that he has previously complained about and suggested would force his hand in the pursuit of regular first-team football.

The Republic of Ireland international, 26, has been linked with a move away from Anfield and Premier League rivals Chelsea are said to be interested in securing his services.

Caoimhin Kelleher in action against Real Madrid (Picture: Getty)

Robert Sanchez has been Enzo Maresca’s first-choice goalkeeper this season and while the Italian has continued to defend the ex-Brighton star, fans and pundits have questioned whether he is at the level required to play for a club the size of Chelsea.

As a result, ex-England striker Darren Bent believes Chelsea should swoop for Kelleher and also reckons it would be a good outcome for the player.

‘I always look at [Emiliano] Martinez,’ Bent told talkSPORT, comparing Kelleher to the World Cup winner who swapped Arsenal for Aston Villa back in 2020.

Robert Sanchez is under pressure at Chelsea (Picture: Getty)

‘He was at Arsenal for like ten years and finally got an opportunity at the end, done incredibly well, won the FA Cup, was brilliant.

‘[Bernd] Leno comes back [from injury], they sell him. Then obviously he [Martinez] leaves, the rest is history, wins the World Cup, is at a fantastic club in Aston Villa.

‘I think Kelleher is a very good goalkeeper. He’s 25, it’s time now, let’s get going now, do you know what I mean? I think there’s an opportunity there [at Chelsea].

‘I’m not convinced on [Robert] Sanchez if I’m honest, he makes some unbelievable saves… But I think him [Kelleher] going in there, [for] £35m, that’s not even a risk I don’t think.’

Kelleher helped Liverpool keep a clean sheet against Real Madrid on Wednesday night, Slot’s side continuing their brilliant form with a 2-0 win thanks to second-half goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo.

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Source:: Metro

      

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