Aston Villa have expressed their interest in a Liverpool player who can finally realise his dream at Villa Park, and the reason why Liverpool are cutting ties has been confirmed.
Liverpool are planning a major upheaval in their squad this summer, despite winning the Premier League. As many as six new signings are on the agenda, and that does not include the planned arrival of Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia.
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Liverpool agreed a deal worth approximately £29 million to sign the Georgian goalkeeper last summer. Mamardashvili will join his new teammates at Anfield when the season is over. The expected overcapacity in the goalkeeper department has already been solved.
According to Liverpool’s expert James Pearce from The Athletic, Alisson Becker will remain the first goalkeeper, while Mamardashvili will not be loaned out, but instead take Caoimhin Kelleher’s place as a backup goalkeeper.
Instead of being third choice, Kelleher will be sold – despite the fact that the Irish international is highly valued at Liverpool.
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Pearce wrote: “Kelleher is a popular figure at Kirkby and the skilful way he has replaced Alisson (who has missed 10 league games this season due to injury and concussion) is considered internally crucial to Liverpool’s success.”
He continued: “The expectation is that reserve goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher will leave Liverpool this summer, with Mamardashvili taking his place in the squad. Kelleher, who only has one year left on his contract, has made no secret of his desire to become the first goalkeeper. Liverpool turned down a bid from Nottingham Forest in January, and Bournemouth are among the clubs interested.”
Kelleher does not have to travel far to find his next club and realize his long-term goal of becoming a permanent first goalkeeper.
Aston Villa want Kelleher as a replacement for Martinez
Emiliano Martinez appears to be on his way out of Aston Villa after he appeared to say goodbye to fans after what may have been his last home game against Tottenham on Friday, May 17.
Martinez has concrete interest from Saudi Arabia, and according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, it is expected that the World Cup winner will leave Aston Villa.
Romano wrote in Sicilian media on May 17: “Emi Martínez will consider all options, including from Europe, following the approaches of Saudi Pro League clubs, as he is expected to leave Aston Villa. Villa are among several clubs showing interest in Joan García – open battle for his signing.”
As mentioned, Espanyol’s Joan García is a player that Villa are interested in, but he is also on Arsenal’s radar, as they want the Spaniard as a more worthy backup for David Raya. Current second choice, Neto, will return to Bournemouth when his loan spell in London ends.
Sky Sports reports that Aston Villa have now expressed their interest in Kelleher, who Liverpool value at £30 million.
The high price tag may surprise some, as Kelleher has never been a permanent first-choice goalkeeper and only has one year left on his contract. But it shows how highly he is rated, and reflects his flawless performances when he has replaced Alisson in recent seasons.
“Sources close to Aston Villa confirm that Ireland international Kelleher is on the radar
.”
Kelleher prefers to remain in the Premier League and will prioritise a club that can guarantee him regular playing time. If Martinez leaves Villa as expected, Villa could make Kelleher’s dream come true on that front.
The competition for Kelleher is fierce, with Chelsea, Newcastle, Bournemouth, and recently West Ham and Leeds United among the potential buyers.
