'I wanted to leave Liverpool for years – Arne Slot can now see what I'm capable of'

Caoimhin Kelleher left Liverpool in an £18 million deal last summer to join Brentford, and the Republic of Ireland international has made no secret of his desire to leave the Reds to become a number one goalkeeper

Caoimhin Kelleher is enjoying life at Brentford after leaving Liverpool(Image: 2026 Getty Images)

Caoimhin Kelleher is showing Arne Slot exactly what he's capable of, making a brilliant start to his Brentford career. The 27 year old left Liverpool for the Bees last summer, ending his decade-long stay at Anfield.

The Republic of Ireland shot-stopper racked up 67 senior outings for the Reds across spells playing under both Jurgen Klopp and Slot, but overtaking Alisson Becker as first choice proved impossible.

When Liverpool agreed to bring in Giorgi Mamardashvili in 2024, Kelleher's days at Anfield looked numbered – and it was an exit the Irishman actively pursued to further his career.

Kelleher won't be regretting his move to West London, having played in every fixture during Brentford's strong campaign thus far, with the club sitting seventh in the Premier League table.

Ahead of the Bees' season opener back in August 2025, the goalkeeper admitted that his desire to depart Merseyside had been on his mind for quite some time. Speaking to The Telegraph, Kelleher said: "The summer before I came close-ish to leaving [Liverpool].", reports the Liverpool Echo.

"Then throughout the whole season I was wanting to be a No.1 and obviously the next, and probably best time for me to move was going to be this summer. So, I was just focusing on last season trying to do well and play well. As it goes more towards the end of the season, you're thinking about the next year and the next season.

"It became apparent Brentford were interested in me - and I think once they registered their interest I was quite keen and things moved quite quickly then. It plays in the back of your mind the whole season. I wanted to be a No.1 and wanted to do that for this season.

"To be fair, the last number of years, I was kind of more looking to get a move and to try being the No.1. So I don't think it was a big thing for me whether it was this season or not. But I think the time, with one year left, added up to be right and the club obviously needed to make a decision as well and needed to sell."

Kelleher was a great No.2 at Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

Kelleher, who has stopped more spot-kicks than any other goalkeeper in the league this season (2), has also recorded the joint-fourth highest tally of saves (58), with his outstanding performances drawing considerable praise from Ben Foster.

The former Manchester United shot-stopper discussed Kelleher's displays on talkSPORT back in November, saying: "He's been phenomenal this season. I think what he's been exposed to at Liverpool, because he played quite a few games at Liverpool. Don't forget, Alisson had quite a few spells where he's been out injured.

"I think the way he handled himself at Liverpool, for one, was phenomenal, absolutely brilliant performances, really calm and measured. But I think that comes off the back of one, obviously his character, I think that's just how he is as a person anyway.

"But secondly, just being surrounded by Alisson as the no. 1 goalkeeper, getting to watch that week in, week out. Because if you watch him play, Alisson, he is the personification of calmness under pressure. Any moment, you know that he's in full control of everything he's doing."