The January transfer window may have shut, but the rumor mill never does. Chelsea fans, still crossing their fingers that they never come across the ghosts of goalkeeping blunders, are already dreaming of a new shot-stopper. You can add Caoimhin Kelleher, Liverpool’s reliable, already converted backup, who is said to be on the teams’ radar, including the Blues’.
Chelsea are looking to bring in a fresh No. 1 presence after Robert Sanchez continues to flag and Filip Jorgensen is still proving a decent option. However, is Kelleher the upgrade they require? Will Liverpool allow him to leave without a fight?
Why Chelsea Need a New Goalkeeper (Yes, It’s That Bad)
To be honest, Chelsea’s goalkeeping situation is as unsteady as VAR decisions in the Premier League.
Robert Sanchez: From being No. 1 in the season but making errors for his fans to scream at him on their TV screens. With boos, there is a clear sign the patience is wearing thin, and his latest howler against Manchester City would be a howler against many fans.
Filip Jorgensen: He’s more of a long-term project than an immediate solution given a chance recently.
So he’s still officially a Chelsea man: Kepa Arrizabalaga. Moving on…
Chelsea already have issues with defensive instability; the last thing they needed was another undermanned set of legs behind the goal who jinkled and dove his way to spectacular saves only to turn them into the slob, making the highlight reel.
Kelleher: More Than Just Alisson’s Backup?
For the biggest part of his career at Liverpool, Caoimhin Kelleher has been Alisson Becker’s understudy, waiting to step in when his number was called. He’s been nothing short of impressive when given the chance.
17 appearances this season in all competitions
8 clean sheets (no small feat for a Liverpool defense this season)
Premier League experience and composure under pressure
Kelleher is ready at 26 for a starting spot. However, this summer could be his perfect opportunity to move on, with Liverpool said to be set to bring in Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia.
Who Else Wants Kelleher? The Competition for His Signature
They aren’t the only ones chasing Chelsea. Reports state that four other clubs are interested in signing him.
Depth is needed at Newcastle United, with Nick Pope’s injury problems already noted.
Nottingham Forest: Always in the market for another player. (a) How many signings come during a window?!
To me, this seemed a Bournemouth of a club who love an underdog story.
For a dependable No. 1 to impose themselves on Scotland.
The good news for Chelsea? As Kelleher’s contract expires now in 2026, Liverpool could consider selling him this summer for a decent fee.
Will Chelsea go for Kelleher? The Final Verdict
Scoring goals is also important, and obviously a new goalkeeper is on the Wishlist, hence why Chelsea’s summer transfer priority is a striker. Stability, experience and most importantly, no catastrophic errors are more than what they currently have on offer.
Will Chelsea even sign him? Only if they move quickly depends on that. But if he hesitates, Newcastle or another club could steal the deal.
My Take on Caoimhin to Chelsea
Being a football fan, I believe Caoimhin Kelleher should get to play in position one throughout the game. For years, he has been Liverpool’s safety net although he has always held himself up in cup competitions and match situations with lots in the balance. But Chelsea have had goalkeepers who induce heart palpitations at the drop of a hat. If I were that guy in charge of things, I’d go out and sign Kelleher straight away (unless it is the case that Chelsea decide the best thing to do is to get Petr Čech out of retirement, which is an unfortunately high possibility).
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