Arne Slot Risks Upsetting Discontent Liverpool Star After £29m Signing Raises the Standard

Liverpool manager Arne Slot may risk upsetting Caoimhin Kelleher, who is keen to leave the club, as new signing Giorgi Mamardashvili continues to impress in Spain.

Before Federico Chiesa’s late arrival, it appeared for some time that Mamardashvili would be Liverpool’s sole signing of the summer transfer window. The Reds had struck a deal valued at £29 million for the Valencia goalkeeper.

Despite finalising the transfer, Mamardashvili has agreed to remain in La Liga with Valencia for the 2024/25 season, with plans to join Liverpool next summer.

Alisson Becker remains the first-choice goalkeeper at Anfield, with his contract running until the summer of 2027. Mamardashvili’s arrival raises questions about the future of Liverpool’s current backup keeper, Kelleher.

Kelleher has expressed his desire to leave the club in search of regular first-team opportunities. However, Liverpool’s position is firm: they will only sell him if a suitable offer is made.

Commenting on his future earlier in the season, Kelleher revealed: “I made it clear in the last few years, I want to go be a No.1 and play week in, week out.

“The club made the decision to get another goalkeeper. From the outside looking in, it looks like they have made a decision to go in another direction.

“My ambition has always been clear the last few seasons that I want to be a No.1, playing week in, week out. Sometimes from the outside looking in, it looks like it is 100 per cent my decision but at times, it is not always in my hands.”

Kelleher seized his opportunity to impress over the weekend, stepping in for Alisson, who was unavailable due to an injury sustained between Liverpool’s defeat to Nottingham Forest and their win against AC Milan.

Kelleher delivered an excellent performance. In addition to maintaining a clean sheet, the 25-year-old made seven saves, including a vital late goal-line clearance to preserve Liverpool’s defence.

However, his strong performance under Slot might not be enough, as Mamardashvili also delivered a standout performance for Valencia over the weekend.

The Euro 2024 sensation claimed his second Man of the Match title this season in Valencia’s 2-0 victory over Champions League contenders Girona.

As a result, even with continued solid displays as Alisson’s backup, Kelleher’s chances of claiming the No.1 spot long-term appear to be very slim.

In other Liverpool news, Liverpool Goalkeeper Alisson Becker Shares a Worrying Injury Update After Missing PL Clash with Bournemouth