Bournemouth have stepped up their ante in pursuing Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, as they plan for life after Kepa Arrizabalaga.
The Cherries signed Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan from Chelsea at the start of the season after losing the experienced Neto to Arsenal. Andoni Iraola has used Kepa for majority of the campaign, but there is no buy obligation in the loan contract with Chelsea and his displays between the sticks have been hot and cold.
As the Spaniard will return to Stamford Bridge at the end of the season, Iraola has prioritised signing a new goalkeeper to start the 2025/26 season. Bournemouth are now reportedly confident of signing Caoimhin Kelleher from Liverpool, with the 26-year-old viewed as an upgrade on Kepa by Iraola.
The likes of Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are also in the mix for his signature, so Iraola has ordered the Bournemouth officials to move for the Reds’ glovesman when the transfer window reopens in July.
Caoimhin Kelleher wants to leave Liverpool
Kelleher has deputised expertly during Alisson Becker’s injury absences in the last few campaigns and has established himself as one of the Premier League’s finest shot-stoppers – even if he isn’t a regular starter for Liverpool. However, the Republic of Ireland international wants to be the first-choice option in goal, and with Giorgi Mamardashvili set to arrive at Anfield at the end of the season and Alisson the undisputed No.1, Kelleher may fear he will fall further down the pecking order.
Bournemouth are keen to sign him and would offer the Cork-born talent the chance to establish himself as the No.1 under Iraola’s tutelage. Although Kelleher is about to enter the final year of his contract, Liverpool value him at more than £ 25 million.
The Cherries will need to come closer to that valuation if they are to sign the 26-year-old as a potential replacement for Kepa ahead of the new season. Kelleher has made 65 appearances for the Merseyside outfit, proving to be a reliable pair of hands and being their hero during the Carabao Cup win over Chelsea last season.
He has got a decent amount of top-flight experience, and due to his ball-playing, distribution and sweeping ability, the Liverpool star would be a good fit for Iraola’s system at the Vitality Stadium. That being said, Bournemouth must push hard for Kelleher’s signature as he’d be a fantastic long-term investment.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.
