Despite Arne Slot’s claim of a quiet incoming transfer window at Liverpool, changes are on the way, with more departures expected than arrivals.
Slot has consistently stated his confidence over the current squad being well-placed to retain their Premier League title next season with new faces only brought in where needed.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s impending free transfer switch to Real Madrid means Slot is on the hunt for a new right-back despite Conor Bradley’s recent contract extension.
The Dutch coach wants at least two players covering each position and Bayer Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong is high on his radar as Xabi Alonso heads off to join Trent in Madrid.
Exits from Anfield are also on the cards with Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota facing an uncertain future as Slot looks to remodel his attack and the former has been linked with a return to Benfica.
There will also be changes in goal, as Georgia international Giorgi Mamardashvili arrives in June, and Caoimhin Kelleher prepares to walk away from Merseyside.
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Caoimhin Kelleher’s Liverpool contract, transfer value, exit options
Kelleher has made no secret of his desire to be No.1, but his path at Liverpool is firmly blocked by the superb Alisson, and Mamardashvili’s arrival will only reduce his role further.
The Republic of Ireland international confirmed he wanted to leave last summer, but Slot opted to retain him, as an able back up to cover for Alisson as needed in 2025/26.
The link now looks ready to be severed with Kelleher’s national team boss Heimir HallgrĂmsson telling him to move on for the good of his career.
This summer is Liverpool’s final chance to secure a rumoured £30m [$40m] transfer fee, with Kelleher out of contract in 2027, and his 10 EPL starts this season demonstrate his readiness to compete at the highest level.
As per reports from The I, Emi Martinez’s potential exit from Aston Villa could cause a ‘goalkeeper domino effect’, with Unai Emery leading the race to sign Kelleher to replace the Argentinian.
Manchester United have been tentatively linked as an option – but Liverpool not be keen to sell to the Red Devils – and Kelleher is unlikely to make that move due to the intense rivalry.
Chelsea are in similar position to United – based on their own goalkeeper issues and the fact Liverpool may not want to do business with the Blues – so Villa could be ideal, if they secure UEFA Champions League qualification.
Playing at the highest level in Europe is a key focus for Kelleher, and the race for top five this season could impact his thinking, with Newcastle United and Bournemouth also monitoring his progress.
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