Nottingham Forest tried to sign Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher before the summer transfer window closed
Forest attempted to bolster their goalkeeping options late in the transfer window by offering a cash-plus-player deal for Kelleher, proposing £7 million along with Matt Turner, who later went on loan to Crystal Palace. However, Liverpool rejected the bid, valuing the 25-year-old at around £30 million.
This marked Forest’s second unsuccessful attempt to sign Kelleher, following a £15 million offer that was turned down in January. Kelleher hinted that his performances while covering for Alisson Becker may have increased his price, making a move more difficult.
“When you play for a club like Liverpool, other teams will naturally be interested,” Kelleher told the *Daily Mirror*. “I spoke with the manager about the situation. But I was always clear that with Alisson being one of the best goalkeepers in the world, he was going to remain the No. 1 choice.”
Kelleher acknowledged that other factors, such as negotiations between clubs and Liverpool’s demands, played a role in the transfer falling through. However, he admitted staying at Liverpool wasn’t a bad outcome, given the club’s involvement in multiple competitions, which offers him opportunities to play.
“I played a lot last season, and if you perform well, your value goes up because the club will want a good return. I made it clear I wanted to play first-team football, whether that was here or elsewhere. I want to be a No. 1,” he added. “That’s been my mindset because, like any footballer, I want to play and not sit on the bench.”
With Alisson sidelined due to a hamstring injury, Kelleher now has the chance to impress new manager Arne Slot. However, he dismissed suggestions that this game time is about showcasing himself for a potential transfer.
“My focus is on doing the best I can and proving my ability. That’s my priority right now—playing well and perhaps giving the manager something to think about.”
Kelleher’s future is likely to come under scrutiny again next summer, especially with Liverpool reportedly having secured a deal for Giorgi Mamardashvili ahead of the 2025/26 season. Whether Nottingham Forest will make another attempt to sign him remains uncertain.
“I’ve stayed professional because if I’m not prepared, I won’t be doing myself justice. Future conversations will happen next summer, but right now, that’s not where my focus is,” Kelleher concluded.
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