David James has urged Caoimhin Kelleher to leave Liverpool in order to become a first-team regular elsewhere.
Caomhin Kelleher has become an overnight star at Anfield following his heroics in the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea. The Irishman was picked ahead of Alisson Becker in goal and ended up making a series of saves throughout the game, even converting his penalty in the shootout, moments before Kepa Arrizabalaga missed the decisive spot-kick to hand Liverpool the win.
Kelleher has received rave reviews for his performance in the final, and according to former England goalkeeper David James, the Irishman should soon start to contemplate making the next move in his career. He has essentially urged Kelleher to leave Liverpool in order to become a first-choice goalkeeper elsewhere.
“Kelleher, he’s proved himself as a very, very capable goalkeeper. Also, when Alisson signs a new five-year deal, you ask the question, ‘are you planning on being Liverpool’s next no. 1, or is this just a stepping stone?”
“I think at the moment, obviously, he’s getting a lot of rave reviews, he can get away with not having to play every week. But there will come a point where Liverpool will have to make a decision,” James told Sky Sports.
Kelleher has featured in eight games in all competitions this season, keeping an impressive four clean sheets. He could soon become the first-choice ‘keeper for the Irish national team, having already won two caps for his country.
“Or Kelleher has to make a decision, ‘am I going to be a No.1 somewhere else or am I going to stay at this massive club winning trophies and just playing my part in cup matches?” said James, who had featured in 277 competitive games for Liverpool during his long professional career.
The 51-year-old added, suggesting he would have left Liverpool if he was in a similar situation in order to gain regular game-time at the top level. “I would leave. I couldn’t help myself, I just wanted to play all the time. Leaving Liverpool is a big decision to make, especially for someone like Kelleher,” he said.
A host of second-choice goalkeepers have become successful by moving elsewhere in recent seasons, with Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez being the prime example. However, whether or not Kelleher can manage the same feat remains to be seen. The Irishman’s current deal at Liverpool expires in 2026, but one would imagine he has a crucial summer ahead of him.
