Caoimhin Kelleher has the chance to become Chelsea’s starting goalkeeper – he’s too good to be Liverpool’s substitute.
That’s according to The Pitch Prospect’s Darren Bent, who compared his situation to Emiliano Martinez, who swapped Arsenal for Aston Villa in 2020.
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Kelleher is a rumored summer transfer target for Chelsea and is worth an estimated £35million.
The 25-year-old has been behind Alisson in Liverpool’s goalkeeping rankings for most of his career with the Premier League giants.
A departure could give him regular opportunities elsewhere, something Martinez has experienced since joining Villa from the Emirates four years ago.
During his ten-year stay in north London, Martinez played just 38 games for the Gunners, most of them in his final season.
He is now the first-choice goalkeeper at Villa and a World Cup winner with Argentina, with Bent citing him as an example of a positive exit.
Speaking about Kelleher potentially considering a starting role with Drive, the former Premier League striker said: “I’m always looking at Martinez.”
“He was at Arsenal for about ten years and finally got a chance at the end, did incredibly well, won the FA Cup, was brilliant.”
“[Bernd] Leno comes back [from injury]they sell it. Then obviously him [Martinez] goes, the rest is history, wins the World Cup, is at a fantastic club in Aston Villa.
“I think Kelleher is a very good goalkeeper. He’s 25, it’s time now, let’s get started now, you know what I mean? I think there’s a chance.” [at Chelsea].
“I’m not convinced of that [Robert] Sanchez makes some incredible saves if I’m honest… But I think he does [Kelleher] go in there, [for] £35m, I don’t think it’s even a risk.”
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Kelleher has made 55 appearances for Liverpool in all competitions since making his debut for the club in 2019.
Most of his minutes came in cup competitions, with the Ireland international playing a key role in one FA Cup win and two Carabao Cup triumphs.
Given his quality, he would have a good chance of taking over the role of starting goalkeeper at Chelsea from Sánchez.
The Spaniard has been to blame for some of the Blues’ goals conceded this season and conceded two penalties.
However, Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca continues to support Sanchez and uses him in Premier League games against Filip Jorgensen.
After the 1-1 draw at Manchester United, The Telegraph reported that the club believe they can become one of the Premier League’s best.
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Chelsea are also said to be confident that Sanchez’s decision-making will ultimately match his talent, despite his recent mistakes.
They have no shortage of goalkeeping options, with last season’s No. 1 Djordje Petrovic on loan at sister club Strasbourg.
Young talent Mike Penders is also set to join the club from Genk in the summer after Chelsea announced his signing in August.