Liverpool have confirmed the permanent departure of goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, which could be the initial step in a bigger transfer strategy this summer.
The Irish keeper, who has been at Anfield for a decade, has moved to Brentford in a deal that could reach £18 million.
Although some fans consider the fee too low, a BBC reporter explained why it might actually be a reasonable deal.
What follows next could be even more significant.
Brentford’s current main goalkeeper, Dutch international Mark Flekken, has now transferred to Bayer Leverkusen.
This chain of transfers could set the stage for Florian Wirtz, who is heavily linked with Liverpool, to complete his much-anticipated move.
It also explains how Brentford secured a Premier League-experienced goalkeeper with Champions League and title credentials for a relatively low fee.
Kelleher played 20 games this season under manager Arne Slot, including a 10-game stretch when Alisson Becker was out injured.
The manager showed great confidence in him during important moments, with Kelleher impressing notably by saving penalties in consecutive matches against Southampton and Real Madrid.
He leaves Liverpool as a two-time Premier League winner and Carabao Cup champion, famously scoring the winning penalty in the 2022 final against Chelsea.
Flekken’s Transfer Clears Path for Wirtz
With Brentford’s top goalkeeper moving to Leverkusen, it suggests the German club is preparing both financially and positionally for the possible loss of one of their prized players.
Liverpool has reportedly made multiple bids for Wirtz this season, including a second offer that was turned down (per Christian Falk).
Such careful planning and club coordination are more common than fans realize, and Kelleher’s transfer fee might be part of a bigger strategy.
With the 22-year-old German open to moving to the Premier League and Liverpool laying groundwork, this is a development to watch.
Only time will tell how this unfolds, but the transfer pieces are clearly coming together
