Here We Go Confirmed! Leeds United have been given greenlight to complete huge £40M transfer ahead of Premier League return
Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher has been given the go ahead to complete a move to Leeds United this summer, with his international manager outlining why he should move in the window.
Leeds have been heavily linked with the Republic of Ireland international over the last few months. It was said back in March that a potential move for Kelleher would be entirely dependent on promotion to the Premier League.
That promotion was secured a few weeks ago, with the Championship title secured on the final day the cherry on top of what has been a memorable season. But while the celebrations may still be continuing, eyes will quickly turn to preparations for the Premier League.
Much has been made of Illan Meslier and his future at the club. The Frenchman made some high profile mistakes throughout the season and was replaced by Karl Darlow in goal for the end of season run in .
It therefore seems likely that Leeds will be on the lookout for a new number one ahead of the start of the new season. Kelleher, who is currently back-up to Alisson at Liverpool as emerged as one of the reported targets.
The goalkeeper has made no secret of his desire to play more regularly. His international manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has now sent a similar message.
“I just want Caoimhin to go to a club where he will play. He has been playing at the highest level,” the Republic of Ireland boss told the Irish Echo .
“Champions League, Premier League, done really well. I just want him to be happy and play regularly. I don’t mind where he goes so long as he is playing on a regular basis, he is too good not to be playing.’’
The arrival of Giorgi Mamardashvili at Liverpool in the summer is likely to push Kelleher further down the pecking order at Anfield. A move away from the club in search of first team football therefore looks the most likely option.
Leeds are likely to face competition for the player with the likes of Newcastle and Bournemouth among others expected to be in the market for a new goalkeeper in the summer. It was reported by Football Insider back in February that Liverpool have put a price of up to £40 million on his head.
With just 12 months remaining on his contract that could potentially come down the further into the window we go. Speaking earlier in the season, Kelleher himself has made his position clear.
“My ambition is to go out and play and be a No.1. I’ve made it clear in the last few years that I want to go and be a No.1 and play week-in, week-out,” he said in September last year.
“The club’s made that decision to get another goalkeeper [Giorgi Mamardashvili] and so, from the outside looking in, it looks like they’ve made a decision to go in a different direction now.”
