Liverpool star expresses desire to depart Anfield following £29m Arne Slot acquisition

Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher has expressed his disappointment at the arrival of Giorgi Mamardashvili and declared his desire to depart Anfield in order to secure more playing time.

Kelleher has been the long-term back-up to Allison throughout his time at the club but has often held a desire to become a first-choice keeper.

However, the 25-year-old’s hopes of succeeding the Brazilian were dented severely when new manager Arne Slot sanctioned the signing of Valencia keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili for £30million last month.

The Georgian will spend another year in Spain before arriving at Liverpool and Kelleher is frank that it could spell the end of his time at the club.

‘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,’ the Republic of Ireland goalkeeper said.

‘The club’s made that decision to get another goalkeeper and from the outside looking in, it looks like they’ve made a decision to go in a different direction.’

Liverpool rejected a bid from Nottingham Forest to sign Kelleher over the summer, with the Irishman hinting the decision to stay was not down to him.

‘It’s been reported that Liverpool have rejected a few bids as well. My ambition is clear that I think I’m good enough and I want to go out and prove it,’ he added.

‘Sometimes from the outside looking in, it looks like that’s 100% my decision but at times it’s not always in my hands.’

After Mamardashvili, the Reds made just one further signing this summer, with Juventus winger Federico Chiesa joining for just €13m (£10.9m).

Asked what the Italian may bring to his side, Slot said: ‘He brings experience and talent, but at the same time he brings the potential to keep on getting better and this is something that really excites us.

‘I have said all summer that it is not easy to sign players for Liverpool because the standard of players we have is so high but in Federico I firmly believe we are signing someone who enhances what is already here.

‘It’s not just his talents physically; Federico has experience of winning trophies, of course one with his national team, and dealing with setbacks and challenges. It’s the mentality we want here at Liverpool.

‘Not only this, but he is someone who has an incredible work-rate to match his talent.’

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.