This summer is shaping up to be a significant one for Liverpool Football Club.
The Reds are preparing to welcome three new additions to the AXA Training Centre for pre-season, while negotiations are ongoing to bring in Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez as potential fourth and fifth signings.
At one point, Giorgi Mamardashvili seemed poised to succeed Caoimhin Kelleher as the backup goalkeeper. However, the club now appears to be pursuing another long-term alternative with comparable talent and potential.
Kelleher has received consistent praise for his performances as Liverpool’s second-choice goalkeeper. Known for his calm demeanor and sharp reflexes, he reliably stepped in when Alisson was unavailable.
His composure and technical skill were shaped by his early years playing as a striker in Ireland, before switching to goalkeeping at age 13. As Eddie Harrington told the Liverpool ECHO in 2022, Kelleher had represented his county as a forward and only transitioned to goalkeeper at the U14 level — a change that enhanced his footwork and field awareness.
Liverpool have now confirmed the signing of Armin Pecsi from Puskás Akadémia — a goalkeeper with a remarkably similar background to Kelleher.
Pecsi, who excelled in Hungary’s top league last season by preventing 14.33 expected goals, is known for his agility and sharp reflexes. Interestingly, like Kelleher, he also started his football journey as a striker. In a conversation with FEOL, Pecsi shared that he played both forward and goalkeeper roles until deciding to focus solely on goalkeeping around age 11 or 12.
This acquisition could represent Liverpool’s discovery of a “Kelleher 2.0” — a player with a nearly identical development path and style. Even more impressive is the reported fee: just £1.5 million, according to Anfield Watch.
It’s a savvy piece of business, with credit due to sporting director Richard Hughes, who appears to be orchestrating a very successful transfer window
