Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs is fighting to claim money worth £135,000 as he filed legal action over financial losses. Giggs is set to pocket £14 million after the closure of his firm Ryan Giggs Limited – a company that he started more 30 years ago to manage his earnings related to football. The former Welsh winger has put the company into voluntary liquidation.
Following a humbling defeat to bring them crashing back down to reality against Burnley, Sunderland have reportedly made contact to sign a La Liga midfielder for Regis Le Bris.
Le Bris: Sunderland must "learn" from Burnley defeat
Just one week ago, Sunderland were in dreamland when they swept past West Ham United to win 3-0 on the opening day. Since then, however, that bubble has been burst courtesy of fellow newly-promoted side Burnley. The Clarets handed Sunderland a disappointing defeat in an early relegation six-pointer, with Le Bris admitting it’s one that his side must “learn” from.
Le Bris also touched on the fact that this Sunderland side are still very much finding their feet together following a summer overhaul. In total, as many as 12 fresh players have arrived as the Black Cats aim to survive at the first time of asking in the Premier League.
Whilst 13 may be unlucky for some, reports are now suggesting that Sunderland have set their sights on yet another arrival before the end of the month.
Sunderland make approach to sign Christantus Uche
As reported by AS and relayed by Sport Witness, Sunderland have made contact to sign Christantus Uche alongside Leeds United and Wolverhampton Wanderers this month. The Getafe midfielder has emerged onto the radar of Premier League clubs following an excellent rise in Spain and amid Getafe’s financial difficulties.
The Spanish club’s president Jose Bordalas even recently admitted that they need to sell players this month, telling reporters: “We’ll have to release some so we can register all or almost all of them. I wouldn’t like Uche or anyone to leave, but we have to accept the offers we have, and there are several.”
As a result of those financial problems, Sunderland could reportedly have the chance to land Uche’s signature for just €15m (£13m) this month, despite rumours that his release clause is worth as much as €25m (£22m).
Described as a “dominant midfielder” by U23 scout Antonio Mango last year, Uche now looks destined for the Premier League before the deadline arrives.
In the recent past, Nottingham Forest have prioritised quantity in the transfer market, even breaking the English record for new faces in a single transfer window in 2022, but this summer they have focused on quality.
Forest scouts were clearly impressed by Botafogo’s Club World Cup campaign that saw their side survive a group that contained both PSG and Atlético Madrid. Off the back of that campaign, Nuno Espirito Santo brought in Botafogo duo Igor Jesus and Jair Cunha, with defensive midfielder Danilo going the other way. The pair will reinforce either end of the pitch with Jesus playing as a striker and Cunha as a centre-back.
Their other major signing is Dan Ndoye – the versatile Swiss winger has become one of Forest’s most expensive signings ever. Forest signing Ndoye was something of a coup as he was a Manchester United target and spent the first four years of his career at clubs connected to United’s new minority shareholder, Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
While they’ve made two major attacking signings in Ndoye and Jesus, it doesn’t look like they are done there. The club lost Anthony Elanga to Newcastle earlier in the window and missed out on Champions League qualification when Chris Wood’s goals dried up at the end of the season, so another attacker may be needed to ensure a strong finish to this year’s campaign.
David Ornstien of The Athletic has revealed that Forest have tried to deepen their attacking numbers even further by adding Omari Hutchinson to their ranks. Hutchinson was relegated from the Premier League last season and has been receiving interest from several top-flight clubs.
Forest’s owner, Evangelos Marinakis, placed a bid of £35 million, which was rejected by Ipswich. It now seems likely that if Forest want to secure Hutchinson’s signature, they may have to make him a club record signing.
The Reds aren’t the first Premier League side to have shown an interest in Hutchinson this summer, as Brentford also made an approach earlier in the window.
At the start of last season, Hutchinson was only on £6,000 a week, making him not only one of the lowest-paid players in the Ipswich squad but in the entire league. This is less than any of the main Nottingham Forest squad were on at the same point last season, meaning it’s almost certain that a move for Hutchinson will see the England Under-21 star receive a huge pay rise.
Hutchinson first hit a lot of football fans’ radar when he was at the Chelsea academy, where he was being viewed as a “special talent”.
When compared to players of a similar profile, what makes Hutchinson so special is his success rate despite limited chances in a poor Ipswich side.
|
Attacking Midfielders League Stats 2024/25 Campaign |
|||
|
Hutchinson |
Garnacho |
Cherki |
|
|
Total Shots |
45 |
84 |
45 |
|
Shot on Target |
40% |
34.5% |
42.2% |
|
Short Pass Completion |
88.5% |
88.4% |
89.5% |
|
Medium Pass Completion |
83.5% |
82.1% |
82.3% |
|
Stats from FBREF |
|||
Given that Hutchinson played in a lower-quality side that got relegated, and Rayan Cherki and Alejandro Garnacho played for teams that reached the latter stages of the Europa League, Hutchinson’s stats look even more impressive. Additionally, although Cherki narrowly surpasses Hutchinson in some fields, the standard of Ligue 1 is lower than that of the Premier League.
Hutchinson’s pass completion in short to medium range (where he predominantly operates as an attacking midfielder) shows a calmness under pressure that ensures he retains the ball. When comparing his shots to Garnacho, it shows that Hutchinson is more considerate of the ball, showing the maturity to know when to shoot and when to pass.
Hutchinson’s collectiveness on the ball will be a boost to his attacking teammates and should lead to them receiving better quality passes and avoiding unnecessary turnovers. With all of these skills at only 21 years old, it is clear why Nuno and Marinakis are pushing for this deal.
Everton supporters will be excited about the Premier League season ahead as top-flight football finally comes to the Toffees’ new home in the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
They will have to wait that little bit longer for the action to start on their home patch, however, as Elland Road will be the first ground ticked off this season when David Moyes’ men face off against the stern prospect of a newly promoted Leeds United side.
Brand new recruit Adam Aznou could well have the privilege of making his Premier League debut for the Merseyside outfit in West Yorkshire, with more new signings surely in the pipeline to join the up-and-coming defender, before September’s abrupt cut-off.
Everton pushing to sign free agent star
The Toffees are four signings down this summer already, with promising French attacker Thierno Barry the pick of the bunch for a sturdy £27m.
However, Moyes and Co. are likely to push on with more fresh additions, with Douglas Luiz one high-profile name on their radar to boost their options in central midfield.
Everton aren’t just looking at the ex-Aston Villa star in isolation to bolster their numbers centrally, however, with GIVEMESPORT revealing that Josh Brownhill is also on their agenda.
Indeed, that exclusive report from GIVEMESPORT has highlighted that both Leeds and Everton are locked into a tussle to win the free agent’s services, after the skilful Englishman allowed his Burnley contract to run down.
However, it could be a tall order to win the former Clarets captain’s services, owing to a further development that Toronto FC have offered a bumper £100k-per-week deal to the 29-year-old.
Still, the report states that Everton are pushing to try and convince Brownhill to remain put on English shores, with the potential here for the Manchester-born midfielder to become Moyes’ next Leon Osman in offering plenty of goals and assists in key moments.
How Brownhill could become Moyes' next Osman
After all, much like Brownhill would arrive on the scene for nothing, Osman cost Everton zilch when he emerged up the Merseyside ranks as a homegrown gem.
Amazingly, by the close of his long-winded Everton journey, Osman would have 58 goals and 36 assists next to his name from 433 appearances, with his output not letting up right until his retirement in 2016.
Osman’s numbers for Everton vs Brownhill’s career numbers
Stat
Osman
Brownhill
Games played
433
462
Goals scored
58
58
Assists
36
40
Sourced by Transfermarkt
Indeed, just three years before hanging up his boots, Osman – who was donning the Toffees armband on the day – would rifle home a stunning effort against eventual title-winners Manchester City.
Brownhill provided a similar class to proceedings at Turf Moor last season when helping Scott Parker’s men clinch a triumphant promotion back up to the Premier League, as seen in him collecting a mammoth 18 goals and six assists across 42 second-tier outings.
It will just be up to the experienced midfielder to translate this blistering Burnley form to the top-flight, but there are promising signs already that he can perform at the daunting level.
From 111 appearances so far in the difficult division, the “brilliant” midfielder – as he was glowingly labelled by Parker – has six goals and six assists next to his name, with lots more hopefully heading his way when surrounded by better quality teammates at Everton, over consistent relegation dog-fights hitting him in the face.
The hope will just be that Brownhill can be that new Osman-like spark for Moyes to rely upon, having also once been dubbed a “crucial” part of the Turf Moor jigsaw under ex-Burnley boss Vincent Kompany.
Toronto’s excessive offer might well make this deal tricky to pull off, but the 29-year-old could favour a move to Merseyside over an MLS switch, knowing he could be as loved as Osman down the line.
Everton enter race to sign "gifted" £30m+ McAtee alternative for Moyes
He’s a wanted man…
ByTom Cunningham Aug 2, 2025
Sunderland supporters must constantly be checking up on transfer rumours involving their busy side this summer.
The bold Premier League new boys have already welcomed in a jaw-dropping six new signings into Regis Le Bris’ camp, and supporters thought that number would reach seven when Armand Lauriente’s arrival from Sassuolo was officially announced.
The 18-goal hero had been pictured jetting into Wearside ahead of completing a statement £17m move to the Stadium of Light, but things have taken an unexpected twist.
Indeed, Sky Sports’ north east reporter Keith Downie revealed on Sunday that a deal is now off after failing to reach an agreement between all parties. As a result, Sunderland have decided to end discussions.
Lauriente had travelled to Portugal to join up with the Black Cats squad ahead of pre-season but has now had to go back to Italy.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
As a result, what’s next for Sunderland?
Sunderland still pursuing £34m striker
There will come a time when Sunderland’s fast approach in the transfer market does inevitably slow down, but that doesn’t look like arriving anytime soon.
Indeed, it’s back to the drawing board for the Mackems now as Sunderland go about finding someone to make up for the fact that Lauriente won’t be arriving at Wearside this summer.
As per a development from journalist Ryan Taylor, Sunderland’s move for Almeria goal machine Luiz Suarez could now be back on after once going cold.
Indeed, the Spanish outfit have stated that they will be moving forward soon with negotiations with other clubs for their star-man, having been subjected to a slog on the end of Sporting who are waiting for Viktor Gyokeres to move to Arsenal before committing to a switch.
The Black Cats have already made contact over a deal for the £34m-rated attacker, with Burnley also previously lodging an enquiry, as Le Bris’ men now pray another statement signing is willing to call Wearside home.
Why Suarez would be even better than Lauriente
Across 33 Serie B clashes last season, Lauriente regularly tore the Italian second division to shreds, culminating in him ending the campaign with 18 goals and five assists next to his name, as promotion was also instantly won back up to Serie A for Fabio Grosso’s men.
Amazingly, Suarez was even more prolific in the Spanish second division with Almeria across 2024/25, demonstrating why, perhaps, Lauriente may not be such a miss for Sunderland if they can sign an alternative.
Games played
41
Goals scored
27
Assists
8
Shots per game
4.1
Big chances missed
27
Big chances created
10
In total, Suarez scored 27 goals and assisted eight goals too. He also created a hefty ten big chances demonstrating his creative side.
Indeed, the striker doesn’t just possess a “crazy” record in front of goal, as he’s been labelled previously by scout Jacek Kulig, but he’s got creativity to boot, just as Lauriente has.
Yet, it’s Suarez that surely comes out on top in the two key areas for a forward, goalscoring and creativity.
He’s not a one-hit wonder either, notably bagging 19 in 38 league outings in the Spanish second division in 2019/20.
The Almeria star is clearly a prolific forward and despite missing out on Lauriente, it might not be all doom and gloom for Le Bris. Suarez looks like a pretty handy talent too.
Alongside Xhaka: Sunderland make "direct approach" for £38m maestro – Romano
The Black Cats are looking to sign a new central midfielder.
1 ByDominic Lund Jul 17, 2025
Celtic are beginning to circle for key targets and could now be set to be embroiled in a high-profile chase for a prolific goalscorer, according to reports.
Celtic's striker question yet to throw up a definitive answer
Brendan Rodgers has made it crystal clear that Celtic want several options across their forward line after Kyogo Furuhashi’s departure. Meanwhile, Nicolas Kuhn moving to Como has left room for more goals to come into the side over the coming weeks.
Addressing their striker situation, the Irishman admitted Shin Yamada’s arrival from Kawasaki Frontale is just the tip of the iceberg, as he stated: “He’ll have a medical over the next couple of days and we’ll have a look at him. We’ve lost a lot of goals, so we need to replace that. Hopefully, this can be one of a number of players we can bring in that aspect.
“He’s got intensity and workrate. It’s something the scouts have seen. In terms of the club, we will bring in players to develop and players for now. Even though he’s a bit older, he’s probably one that can give us that intensity and pressure.”
Intriguingly, Rodgers has seemed to confirm the suspicion that Celtic are operating two different transfer strategies this window. On one hand, the Bhoys appear like they are trying to get ahead of the curve with ‘club’ signings, while arrivals such as Kieran Tierney come in with more of a personal touch from the manager.
Odsonne Edouard is another reported target that may fall into the latter category, albeit it is hard to envisage the Scottish Premiership champions matching his Premier League-level wages.
Balikwisha will love him: Celtic exploring deal to sign "exciting" star
Celtic could land a dream signing alongside Michel-Ange Balikwisha by landing this star.
ByDan Emery Jul 17, 2025
With Celtic clearly in the market for another leading light in attack, recent developments may point supporters in the direction of their latest pursuit.
Celtic see bid rejected for Louis Munteanu
According to reports from iAMsport.ro, Celtic have seen an opening bid of £6.9 million turned down for CFR Cluj forward Louis Munteanu, with their owner Ioan Varga said to be holding out for a fee of £15.6 million.
Meanwhile, Ligue 1 clubs Rennes, Lille and Nice are also monitoring his situation at the Dr. Constantin Rădulescu Stadium.
Louis Munteanu at the UEFA EURO Under-21 Championships (Fotmob)
Goals
1
Shots
5
Shots on target
2
Successful passes
31
Duels won
11
Earning his stripes last term, Munteanu registered 25 goals and three assists in 42 appearances across all competitions, and he kicked off the new campaign with a goal in Europa League qualifying against Paksi FC earlier this month.
Making his presence known, the 23-year-old is a clinical finisher with a track record of delivering at a high standard. However, it remains to be seen whether Celtic will bow to his lofty valuation or whether alternative targets will be pursued.
Nottingham Forest have now made an approach to sign a Champions League “gladiator” for free, according to a recent report.
Ins and outs expected as Forest prepare for Europe
The first part of the summer transfer window has just closed, but that doesn’t mean clubs are not actively working on transfers in time for when the window reopens again on Monday June 16. Forest are expected to be very busy this summer, as they prepare for European football and look to continue their fine 2024/25 form into the new campaign.
Nottingham Forest ready to sign £40m+ star who wants Premier League return
The Tricky Trees could land a midfielder with international pedigree.
2 BySean Markus Clifford Jun 6, 2025
Already the Reds have agreed to let one player leave the City Ground, as Fabrizio Romano has reported that Lyon have reached an agreement with Forest to sign goalkeeper Matt Turner. The French side are willing to pay €8 million, which is roughly £6.7 million.
He may not be the only exit on the cards, as it’s been reported that Newcastle United have made contact with Forest over signing Anthony Elanga. The Magpies tried to sign the Sweden international last summer but failed, and they are now looking to wrap up a deal 12 months on.
The Reds are of course also working on incomings, and while they work on a potential deal for midfielder Douglas Luiz, they are also keeping an eye on Lucas Cepeda from Chilean top flight side Colo-Colo. The winger is said to have a release clause of just £4 million and is interested in making the step up to a major European League.
Nottingham Forest submit offer for Reinildo
Forest just announced their retained list this week and revealed Harry Toffolo would be leaving following the expiration of his contract. It now appears as though the club have already found his potential replacement, as according to reporter Ben Jacobs, Forest have submitted an offer to sign left-back Reinildo on a free transfer.
The 31-year-old currently plays for Spanish giants Atlético Madrid and has done so since January 2022. The defender’s contract has been extended to the beginning of August, so he can participate in the Club World Cup for Atlético. But after that, he looks set to leave the club, and as well as Forest, Sunderland and Leeds have made approaches over a potential deal, as well as teams from Saudi Arabia.
The 49-cap Mozambique captain, who has been dubbed a “true gladiator” by scout Jacek Kulig, has struggled to be a regular in Madrid. He finished the 2024/25 campaign having played 29 games in all competitions, 19 of which came in La Liga, regularly from the substitutes’ bench.
Apps
19
Starts
10
Clean sheets
4
Interceptions per game
0.8
Tackles per game
0.9
Balls recovered per game
2.7
Clearances per game
1.7
Duels won per game
2.6 (49%)
With Toffolo leaving and Alex Moreno returning to Aston Villa, it means Forest don’t have a recognised natural left-back in their squad, and therefore, there may be some urgency in beating the likes of Leeds and Sunderland to the signature of Reinildo, especially given his experience in European football.
The representatives of a “massive” striker have reached out to Tottenham Hotspur as they attempt to find their client a new landing spot, with his club now ready to sell.
Daniel Levy targeting new forward for Tottenham this summer
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is reportedly on the look-out for new attacking players this summer, even if the club may be forced to adopt a ‘sell-to-buy’ policy over the next transfer window.
Tottenham: Popular £4.2m manager now "top" Levy target after Paratici message
Spurs are serious about him as a potential replacement for Ange Postecoglou.
5 ByEmilio Galantini May 16, 2025
While uncertainty surrounds the long-term future of manager Ange Postecoglou, regardless of what happens in the Europa League final next week, the Australian could be joined out of the exit door by a string of surplus Spurs forwards.
Son Heung-min
7.05
Pedro Porro
6.98
James Maddison
6.98
Dominic Solanke
6.88
Dejan Kulusevski
6.83
via WhoScored
Manor Solomon and Bryan Gil don’t appear to have a long-term future in north London, having spent the 2024/2025 campaign out on loan at Leeds United and Girona respectively, while it is also believed Richarlison could be put up for sale by Tottenham as well.
As such, Postecoglou or any new manager would need attacking reinforcements in the event all three depart Hotspur Way.
Tottenham have expressed an interest in Ipswich Town starlet Liam Delap, who will be available for just £30 million thanks to their relegation to the Championship, with Borussia Mönchengladbach striker Tim Kleindienst also on Spurs’ radar after his impressive season in the Bundesliga.
Levy is also keen to make Mathys Tel’s stay at Tottenham permanent, as per Sport Bild this week, so recruitment plans are in full flow ahead of the first summer window’s opening on June 1.
According to GiveMeSport, Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic could emerge as a target for Spurs as well, with the Serbia international out of contract in 2026 and could be available for an affordable fee this year.
Dusan Vlahovic's agents hold talks with Tottenham
Now, journalist Graeme Bailey has weighed in with an update of his own on the 25-year-old’s future.
Writing for The Boot Room, Bailey reports that Vlahovic’s agents have contacted Tottenham over a potential move to the Premier League, alongside other interested sides, and Juventus are prepared to sell him for around £25 million.
The ex-Fiorentina star hasn’t enjoyed the best second half of 2024/25, scoring just two Serie A goals this calendar year, but Vlahovic does boast 14 in all competitions with four of them coming in big Champions League games.
He can be a truly devastating centre-forward when at his very best and consistently reaches double figures in a season. However, Levy will be very keen to negotiate a salary far beneath his rumoured £320,000-per-week take-home at Juve, which would make him Tottenham’s highest-earner by miles.
“I’ve been saying it for a long time. He’s strong, massive, he fills up front, he’s a reference, he’s a ‘left-footer’ full of courage,” said ex-Juve striker Roberto Boninsegna about Vlahovic.
“A good centre-forward. I also like Retegui from Atalanta, he scores easily.”
Arsenal are now racing Barcelona to the signing of a “complete midfielder”, and £52m could be enough to seal a deal, according to a report.
The Gunners are looking to strengthen in several key areas this summer, with signing a new striker and central midfielder among their priorities, and they want to get a deal wrapped up for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi as quickly as possible.
Talks to sign Zubimendi are progressing well, despite interest from other clubs, including Spanish giants Real Madrid, and there is a belief a deal could be agreed by June, potentially making the Spaniard one of Andrea Berta’s first signings.
However, with the move for the Sociedad star yet to be completed, there is still a possibility the north Londoners will bring in a different midfielder this summer, and there may need to be more than one new addition in the middle of the park.
Arsenal could now hijack £50m Newcastle top target instead of signing Isak
The Gunners are set to battle Liverpool for an “incredible” attacker.
By
Dominic Lund
Apr 21, 2025
That is because Thomas Partey has now held exit talks, with the Ghanaian now highly likely to leave this summer, alongside fellow midfielder Jorginho, who is out of contract in the summer.
According to a report from Caught Offside, another potential midfield target Arsenal have in mind is Sporting CP’s Morten Hjulmand, with the Portuguese side now willing to cash-in on their captain for the right price this summer.
Despite Hjulmand having a €80m (£69m) release clause in his contract, Sporting value the midfielder at €50m – €60m (£43m – £52m), and there is no shortage of interest in his services.
Within the Premier League, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have also expressed an interest in the Sporting maestro, while Inter Milan, Barcelona and Paris-Saint Germain headline the interest from abroad, so there may be fierce competition for his signature.
Should Partey move on this summer, it would be wise to bring in a like-for-like replacement, and scout Ben Mattinson has stated Hjulmand also excels in the defensive side of the game.
The Danish midfielder has been a key player for Sporting over the past two seasons, picking up two goals and two assists in the Liga Portugal this term, while also displaying his leadership abilities by captaining the side.
Having first proven himself in the Serie A with Lecce, prior to joining Sporting, Hjulmand now has a track record which suggests he is ready to make the step-up to a top club, and it is promising news that Arsenal are in the race for his signature.
Victory in the Merseyside derby appears to have been a false dawn, with Liverpool’s late-season decline very much still here after an error-strewn display saw Fulham claim victory over Arne Slot in the Premier League.
It was actually the first time that Liverpool and Slot had tasted defeat on the road in this term’s top flight, but stepping into the bracing summer air feels a distance away yet, for Fulham benefitted from some elementary defensive mistakes from the away side’s experienced and successful defenders.
Virgil van Dijk’s concerning but perhaps overblown dip in form continued, rarely at ease against the Londoners’ frontline and notably turned inside out by a Bergkamp-esque touch from Rodrigo Muniz, who proved to seal the win by scoring Fulham’s decisive third goal before the break.
However, Van Dijk, 33, is still one of the – if not the – best centre-backs in Europe; tying Liverpool’s captain down to one final contract is crucial.
The same can’t be said for Andrew Robertson, whose unwavering belief in his ability is admirable, but not enough given errors and a startling drop in athleticism and creativity have put his performances under a microscope this year.
Why Andy Robertson needs to be replaced
Robertson joined Liverpool way back when. Hull City’s talented full-back couldn’t save the Tigers from relegation in 2016/17, and so Jurgen Klopp saw an opportunity, swooped in and snapped him up for a cool £8m fee.
Now, he’s entering the twilight stage of his trophy-adorned career. Aged 31, Robertson has spent many years playing expertly in a high-octane, big-expectation outfit, but he’s past his best, with the defeat at Fulham the latest game in which he’s been culpable for a “dreadful error,” as was remarked by The Athletic’s James Pearce.
The Scotland captain also ceded possession on 12 occasions despite failing to complete a single key pass to help Liverpool’s attacking fluency, as per Sofascore.
It would be unfair to rebuke Robertson too harshly. He might be something of a weak link but he’s still been an important part of Liverpool’s campaign and is heading toward his second Premier League title.
But he needs replacing, for sure.
Plans have been mapped out already, it seems like Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez is one of FSG’s most pressing transfer targets ahead of the summer window.
However, Robertson’s not the only player who showed in the capital that they need to be sold, with a ‘world-class’ star potentially having played his last.
Liverpool need to sell "world-class" star
Replacing Robertson would be for the greater good of Slot’s project, but there are one or two more regular starters on Merseyside who might also be cashed in this summer.
Caoimhin Kelleher being one of them. The goalkeeper has been brilliant as Liverpool’s back-up between the sticks, featuring 67 times in total for the first team, but his unconvincing performance against Fulham underscored the reasoning behind FSG’s decision to allow him to move away, to sign a replacement.
Fulham put three past their opponents at the weekend despite only accumulating an xG total of just 0.79, which basically means that Liverpool should really have prevented two, if not all three, of the strikes.
It’s becoming clear that Kelleher needs to be sold, having risen from Liverpool’s academy graduate to achieve a sort of cult status, so instrumental in winning domestic cups over the past few seasons.
Praised as a “world-class” shot-stopper by his skipper, Van Dijk, Kelleher cannot abide another campaign playing second fiddle and fair enough to him. A swarm of clubs were intrigued in signing the £35m-rated star last year, but he ultimately stayed put.
However, the Irishman has pulled no punches in expressing his desire to take the next step in his career and “leave and be a number one.”
However, he’s hardly failed to earn any attention at Anfield. Slot, to whom Alisson is “the best goalkeeper in the world,” has been forced to make do without his number one on many occasions this season. In fact, the 26-year-old’s skills have been called into play regularly over the past couple of years.
Caoimhin Kelleher – Liverpool Stats by Season (all comps)
Season
Apps
Clean Sheets
24/25
20
9
23/24
26
5
22/23
4
2
21/22
8
4
20/21
5
2
19/20
4
2
Stats via Transfermarkt
With Alisson unable to shake persistent injury problems, Kelleher has featured 46 times since the start of last season. His Brazilian counterpart has featured 60 times over the same period.
The Liverpool Echo certainly weren’t impressed, handing Kelleher a 5/10 match rating. While correspondent Ian Doyle noted that the Ireland international could do little about Ryan Sessegnon’s parity-restoring strike, there’s a case to be made that the following strikes could have been prevented, albeit with Iwobi’s shot taking a nicking deflection off the guilty Robertson.
With Giorgi Mamardashvili set to arrive from Valencia in the summer, it makes perfect sense to bank a fee for Kelleher before his deal expires in 2026.
Especially when the Georgian goalkeeper, still only 24, is putting in performances like that of last weekend, when Real Madrid was foiled in their own backyard.
Football is a fickle game and revisionism must be ignored as Liverpool enter this final stretch of the campaign a little sapped and disjointed.
If anything, such a dip would have told Slot more about his tools than the hitherto strength that allowed him to carve through so many of his club’s opponents for the lion’s share of the season.
Liverpool have suffered a few blots on the copybook of late, but make no mistake, this is an extraordinary feat acheived down Anfield Road. The Reds are heading toward the Premier League title, but change is sure to be afoot in the market this summer.
In west London, Kelleher, like Robertson, may well have shown why he needs to be sold this summer.
Worse than Salah: Slot must axe 5/10 Liverpool ace who made just 2 passes
Liverpool suffered just their second Premier League defeat of the season this afternoon.
2 ByEthan Lamb Apr 6, 2025