Former Premier League striker Darren Bent has advised Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher to leave the club, suggesting it’s an ideal time for him to pursue a new challenge, especially with recent links to Chelsea.
Bent believes a move to Stamford Bridge would give Kelleher the opportunity to become a first-choice goalkeeper, something he’s long aspired to.
Liverpool strengthened their squad in the summer by signing Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, who has been loaned back to Valencia for the season.
Mamardashvili is expected to either compete with Alisson Becker for the starting role or take over as the number one goalkeeper next season. This development has likely left Kelleher questioning his future at the club, as he may be pushed further down the hierarchy.
Although Kelleher has had limited opportunities at Liverpool, he has consistently impressed when given the chance, such as saving a penalty from Kylian Mbappé in a recent match against Real Madrid.
The Republic of Ireland international has expressed his desire to play regular first-team football, stating, “I made it clear over the last few years that I want to be a number one and play week in, week out. Sometimes it may seem like it’s completely my decision, but it’s not always in my hands.”
Bent draws parallels between Kelleher’s situation and that of Emiliano Martinez, who left Arsenal in 2020 to become Aston Villa’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Martinez’s move proved successful, with him thriving at Villa and winning the World Cup with Argentina. Bent believes Kelleher could follow a similar path if he joins Chelsea, particularly as doubts remain over the reliability of Chelsea’s current goalkeeper, Robert Sánchez.
“Look at Emiliano Martinez,” Bent said in an interview with talkSPORT. “He spent a decade at Arsenal, finally got his chance, performed brilliantly, won the FA Cup, and then moved on to bigger things.
Kelleher is 25 now, and it’s time for him to take that step. I think Chelsea offers a great opportunity for him. At £35 million, it’s not even a risky move.”
With Chelsea reportedly interested in signing Kelleher, a transfer could give the Irish goalkeeper the chance to establish himself as a top-tier player while helping Chelsea address their goalkeeping concerns.
