Liverpool’s Goalkeeper Dilemma: Kelleher’s Future

BBC Sport’s chief football writer, Phil McNulty, has been responding to questions from readers. Chris submitted an inquiry, stating: “I think we can all agree that Caoimhin Kelleher is far too good to be a number-two goalkeeper and he is proving that he could be Liverpool’s number one, if given time. My question is: could you see a scenario where Alisson Becker is allowed to leave for Real Madrid, or even Saudi Arabia, and Kelleher becomes number one with Giorgi Mamardashvili as number two?” In his response, Phil McNulty expressed complete agreement with the initial point, noting that Caoimhin Kelleher’s demonstrated quality at Liverpool would position him as a first-choice goalkeeper for numerous Premier League clubs. McNulty observed that Kelleher currently participates in a considerable number of matches for Liverpool due to Alisson Becker’s susceptibility to injuries, which is unusual for a goalkeeper. However, he anticipates that Kelleher will eventually seek consistent and guaranteed playing time. Regarding Alisson, McNulty considers him the world’s premier goalkeeper and would therefore be surprised if Liverpool opted to sell him. Nevertheless, he acknowledged that Alisson’s injury history might make the club receptive to a substantial transfer offer. Despite this, McNulty’s personal view is that Liverpool would not sell Alisson, particularly not at this juncture. It is evident that the impending arrival of Giorgi Mamardashvili next summer will clarify Kelleher’s situation definitively. McNulty predicts that, barring an unexpected sale of Alisson, Kelleher will likely depart. He believes Kelleher would not consider remaining as an understudy to Mamardashvili, a stance McNulty deems appropriate.