Caoimhin Kelleher appeared set to leave Liverpool this summer as the club closed in on signing a new goalkeeper, but the Irish shot-stopper remains at Anfield against his wishes.

The 25-year-old has spent nearly a decade with Liverpool, making 47 appearances since his first-team debut in 2019. However, Kelleher’s ambition to become a number one elsewhere has been repeatedly stifled, with Liverpool blocking several offers from Premier League clubs over the summer.

The summer saw Liverpool make only a few squad changes, with new manager Arne Slot opting not to bring in many new players. The standout signing was forward Federico Chiesa, who arrived for £10 million from Juventus, while young talents Sepp van den Berg and Fabio Carvalho were sold to Brentford for significant fees.

However, the club’s most notable business involved the acquisition of Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, a deal set to go through next summer for up to £29 million. Mamardashvili is seen as a long-term successor to Alisson, further complicating Kelleher’s path to the first team.

"I've made it clear in the last few years that I want to go and be a number one and play week in, week out," Kelleher said while on international duty with Ireland. Despite his ambitions, Liverpool rejected several offers for him from Premier League clubs, including Brighton, Wolves, and Nottingham Forest, who were keen to sign the talented shot-stopper.

Nottingham Forest’s offer of £7 million plus Matt Turner was turned down, and Liverpool’s decision to loan Mamardashvili back to Valencia meant Kelleher remained Alisson’s backup for another season. Reflecting on the club’s decision, Kelleher admitted, "Sometimes, from the outside looking in; it looks like that's 100% my decision, but at times, it's not always in my hands."

Kelleher’s frustration is clear, particularly as he continues to perform well for the Republic of Ireland. He impressed during a recent Nations League match against England, despite being on the losing side. Yet his opportunities at Liverpool remain limited, with manager Arne Slot emphasizing the need for competition. Slot said, "As I said, Mamardashvili is someone for the long-term future of the club, and I'm happy with the goalkeepers we have at the moment."

With his contract running until 2026, next summer could be a crucial point for Kelleher’s future. While he is expected to get some game time in the upcoming Carabao Cup clash against West Ham on September 25, the Irishman remains determined to find a club where he can establish himself as the first-choice goalkeeper.

For now, Kelleher will have to stay patient as Liverpool continue to navigate their transitional phase under new management.