NafisaWolves supporters are hoping for a fruitful summer, but it appears that one former target will not be heading to Molineux.
The Wanderers face a crucial couple of months ahead, with Vitor Pereira aiming to get the resources he needs to push forward in the 2025/26 campaign.
Pereira made a significant impression at Wolves after succeeding Gary O’Neil back in December.
Now, many fans believe the Portuguese boss could genuinely restore success at the club, having completely altered the outlook.
But the only way to achieve that is by conducting smart business during the summer window.
It’s well known that Wolves rarely splash big fees on individual signings these days, with their better results coming from deals in the £15-20 million bracket.
The club will likely stick to that strategy again this summer – but one player who won’t be arriving is Caoimhin Kelleher.
Former Wolves target Caoimhin Kelleher set to sign for Brentford:
There have been a few reports in the past linking Caoimhin Kelleher to a potential switch to Wolves.
The Liverpool backup has spent years behind Alisson at Anfield, though he has impressed whenever given the opportunity.
Heading into this transfer window, there was a growing sense that Kelleher could finally depart in search of a starting role.
However, Wolves won’t be his destination, as Brentford have now struck a deal to bring in the Irish goalkeeper.
Fabrizio Romano revealed earlier today: “Caoimhin Kelleher to Brentford, here we go! Deal done for the goalkeeper to join from Liverpool on £18m package fee add-ons included.
“Mark Flekken will leave Brentford and join Bayer Leverkusen for €10m.”
Sky Sports report that Brentford’s initial outlay for Kelleher is around £12.5 million, with additional payments to follow in the form of bonuses.
Wolves have let an opportunity slip over Kelleher
Wolves may have seriously missed out here.
Earlier this term, the club’s goalkeeping situation was described as ‘an absolute mess’ with both Jose Sa and Sam Johnstone struggling for form.
Sa managed to bounce back strongly in the latter half of the season, keeping Johnstone on the bench. Johnstone is now reportedly looking to depart Wolves after just one campaign.
Even with Sa’s improvement, many Wolves fans still feel the goalkeeping department needs reinforcement.
It was even suggested not long ago that the club would prioritise that position in the market.
Kelleher would have represented a top-class acquisition for Wolves, and Brentford securing him for only £18 million looks like shrewd business on their part.
Ultimately, Kelleher is a talented shot-stopper and ball distributor who has been unlucky to sit behind one of the world’s best in Alisson. Even Jurgen Klopp once described him as ‘outstanding’ (via RTE).
Given Klopp’s praise and the positive reaction from Liverpool fans online, Brentford may have pulled off a real coup here.
It’s unclear if Wolves had any serious intent to pursue a deal. But Brentford acted swiftly, and Kelleher looks set to shine at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Perhaps Wolves will instead turn their attention to Yahia Fofana, who has been linked with a transfer to Molineux in recent weeks.
Nafisa
