Liverpool faces a potential contract dispute with goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, who is reportedly unwilling to extend his current deal. This issue adds to Liverpool’s existing contract concerns with key players Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, and Mohamed Salah, all of whom are also out of contract in June.

Kelleher’s reluctance to sign a new contract comes as Newcastle and Chelsea express interest in acquiring the 26-year-old Republic of Ireland international.

Kelleher’s decision stems from his desire to secure a starting role, a situation unlikely to materialize at Liverpool. Despite impressive performances filling in for Alisson earlier this season, Kelleher has reverted to a backup position.

The arrival of Giorgi Mamardashvil, a high-profile signing from Valencia, will likely further limit Kelleher’s opportunities. Kelleher’s openness to leaving the club was clearly stated in October: “I was clear that I wanted to play first-team football, whether that was here or elsewhere. I wanted to be a number one.”

Premier League interest and potential transfer

The combination of Kelleher’s contract situation and his ambition to become a starting goalkeeper has attracted interest from Premier League rivals Newcastle and Chelsea. Both clubs may view Kelleher as a suitable candidate to address their goalkeeping needs. This situation positions Kelleher as a potential key figure in the summer transfer market, highlighting the demand for reliable goalkeepers in the Premier League.

Kelleher’s contract standoff presents yet another challenge for Liverpool manager Arne Slot. The club must navigate this situation alongside the contract negotiations with Alexander-Arnold, van Dijk, and Salah, all crucial players whose futures remain uncertain.

This complexity underscores the significant squad-planning challenges facing Liverpool ahead of the summer transfer window. The club will need to make strategic decisions regarding both contract renewals and potential player departures to maintain squad competitiveness and balance. The coming months will be crucial in determining the outcome of these negotiations and shaping Liverpool’s squad for the upcoming season.