Caoimhin Kelleher has admitted he could look to leave Liverpool this summer, as he eyes the “next step” of being a first-choice goalkeeper.
The 25-year-old made his competitive debut for the club in 2019 and has been back-up to Alisson Becker throughout his time in the first-team squad at Anfield.
While that has largely reduced his opportunities to impress, injuries to Allison meant that Kelleher made 26 appearances in all competitions last season, with Jurgen Klopp regularly praising the “outstanding” Irishman.
However, knowing Alisson’s return to fitness will leave him back on the bench for the majority of matches next season, Kelleher has hinted at a summer exit from Liverpool in search of more regular football.
“It would be great if that happened at Liverpool, but I’m not silly,” Kelleher told The Athletic. “I know that Ali has been the best goalkeeper in the world for years.
“I’ve had such an amazing time at Liverpool. It’s been a crazy journey for me and one that I’ve absolutely loved. I love the club, I love the fans and I have a great relationship with the players and the staff.
“Whether it’s here at Liverpool or somewhere else, I do feel the next step for me is to be a No.1.”
Kelleher has previously been linked with a move away from the club, most recently in January when Nottingham Forest had a bid for the goalkeeper rejected.
Klopp has been a key factor in keeping Liverpool at Kelleher, and it remains to be seen whether new boss Arne Slot can do likewise when talks take place ahead of the new campaign.
“I wouldn’t say I was pushing (to leave) last summer but saying: ‘Look, I need to kick on for my career’,” Kelleher confirmed.
“Jurgen said: ‘If anything happens to Ali, we really need you to be there’. It worked out for the best this season because I played 26 games.
“There will be some discussions over the coming weeks. The club was busy with the manager leaving and appointing a new one. With all the new staff arriving, those talks will happen.
“I’m proud of this season, I’ve really proved myself. I’ve loved being at Liverpool and hopefully there’s more to come there. But I feel like I’ve done my years as a No.2. The ambition now is to be a No.1. I am ready and capable.”
