Arne Slot has transformed Liverpool’s talented squad into serious title contenders. The Reds dominated Tottenham Hotspur in North London on Sunday, positioning themselves as frontrunners as Christmas draws near. This season’s revival of Liverpool mirrors a change in managerial style—while Jurgen Klopp was known for his exuberant energy and charismatic laugh, Slot has introduced a more focused, business-like approach that has reinvigorated the team.
Anfield has embraced this shift, with the manager’s pragmatic demeanor subtly reshaping the club’s identity, leading to impressive results both on and off the field.
However, looming concerns threaten to overshadow the team’s resurgence—three key players are nearing the end of their contracts. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, and Mohamed Salah will soon be eligible to negotiate pre-contract agreements with overseas clubs, potentially leaving Liverpool in a precarious position.
Though there are no clear signs of discontent, the trio’s departures could be imminent. Reports indicate that Van Dijk, 33, and Salah, 32, have received offers, and negotiations are ongoing, though progress has been slow. Alexander-Arnold’s future is more uncertain, with Real Madrid reportedly showing interest in the 26-year-old, who is entering his peak years and continuing to showcase his immense talent.
If Alexander-Arnold were to leave on a free transfer in 2025, it would deeply disappoint Liverpool’s passionate fanbase. The lure of a club like Real Madrid could prove irresistible for any top-tier player, making the decision even more challenging.
Beyond the uncertainty surrounding these superstars, there could be additional player departures at the end of the season. Liverpool’s owners, FSG, are reportedly bracing for the likely departure of another key figure—goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.
Kelleher has been a reliable backup to Alisson Becker in recent seasons but is in the final year of his contract and has no intention of renewing it given his second-choice status. Former goalkeeper Paul Robinson recently suggested that Tottenham might target Kelleher at the end of the season, as backup keeper Fraser Forster’s struggles have raised doubts about his future at Spurs.
Adding further complexity to Kelleher’s situation, Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes has already secured a £29 million deal for promising goalkeeper Giorgio Mamardashvili, who will join from Valencia next summer. This acquisition makes Kelleher’s future at Anfield even more uncertain.
**Caoimhin Kelleher’s Future at Liverpool**
Caoimhin Kelleher has consistently proven his worth when called upon, stepping up in Alisson’s absence due to injury and establishing himself as a key figure in Liverpool’s squad. His reliable performances have earned him a reputation as a talented and dependable shot-stopper. However, selling the 26-year-old to a Premier League rival could backfire on Liverpool. While FSG is reportedly looking to secure around £35 million for Kelleher, allowing him to develop elsewhere could weaken Liverpool’s squad depth and potentially strengthen a competitor—a decision they might later regret.
**Why Liverpool Shouldn’t Sell to a Rival**
Kelleher has made 61 senior appearances for Liverpool, collecting two Carabao Cup trophies and consistently delivering top-level performances. Virgil van Dijk has even praised him as “world-class.” With Alisson missing several stretches of this season, Kelleher has made 13 appearances across all competitions, maintaining a 71% save rate, just slightly behind Alisson’s 72%. His true value, however, lies in his consistency and ability to perform in high-pressure situations, notably his heroic display in Liverpool’s Carabao Cup final victory over Chelsea last season.
While Van Dijk’s praise might seem exaggerated, Kelleher has consistently shown he has the quality to start for a top European club. At 25, he’s still at the beginning of his career, with much potential ahead—especially for a goalkeeper who hasn’t yet reached his peak. Liverpool has sometimes made the mistake of selling promising players too early, only to watch them thrive elsewhere. The cases of Dominic Solanke and Raheem Sterling come to mind. Sterling, for instance, left Liverpool for Manchester City at just 21 in a controversial £49 million deal in 2015 and went on to win numerous trophies under Pep Guardiola.
For Kelleher, the situation is similar. While Alisson is regarded as one of the best in the world, his ongoing fitness issues raise concerns about Liverpool’s long-term depth in goal. Letting Kelleher leave could come back to haunt the club, especially given his potential to be a key player in the future.
This, of course, is part of the reasoning behind Liverpool’s move to sign Giorgio Mamardashvili from Valencia. But it’s hard not to feel Kelleher might be frustrated, given his stellar performances in recent years. He’s well within his rights to seek first-team football, but it seems that will likely not be at Liverpool.
Given Alisson’s injury record, Kelleher could have been the natural heir to the starting role, especially after Klopp hailed him as “the best number two in the world.” Now, with Mamardashvili set to join in 2025, Kelleher may find himself looking elsewhere. If he moves to a Premier League rival, like Tottenham, it could be a missed opportunity for Liverpool, who may later regret letting him go.
In conclusion, while FSG is known for its savvy transfer dealings, the potential sale of Kelleher highlights some of the risks involved in their current contractual decisions.
The situation presents a contrast to their future plans, with Mamardashvili set to compete with Alisson in 2025. However, Kelleher’s potential departure could be a move Liverpool might look back on with some regret.
