NafisaLeeds United were among several Premier League sides believed to have been monitoring the Liverpool goalkeeper.
Reported Leeds United target Caoimhín Kelleher was eager to finalise a switch to Brentford ‘as quickly as possible’ after learning of interest from the established top-flight outfit.
The 26-year-old’s transfer from Liverpool to Brentford was confirmed on Tuesday afternoon, following the completion of a deal valued at £18million overall.
The Bees will pay just £12.5m upfront, with the remaining £5.5m going to Anfield only if specific add-ons are triggered, and Kelleher has signed a five-year contract with the option to extend for a further 12 months.
Leeds were among various Premier League teams linked with Kelleher, who had been open about his intention to leave Liverpool in pursuit of regular first-team football.
The Liverpool Echo reported there was ‘definite interest’ from Elland Road but after losing first-choice Mark Flekken to Bayer Leverkusen, Brentford acted swiftly to secure the sought-after shot-stopper.
“I’m buzzing, I’m really happy to be here,” Kelleher told Brentford’s website following confirmation of his move.
“I don’t think it was very difficult for me to leave [Liverpool]. I felt for my own career that the time was right for me to go, to be a no.1 and to play every week. I heard of some interest a number of weeks ago. Once I knew Brentford was in for me, it was definitely one I was really excited about and wanted to do as quickly as possible.
“I came down to meet the manager and some of the coaches. They spoke to me about why they wanted me to be here and showed me around the training ground. It was interesting to see their point of view on why they wanted to sign me and how they think they can develop my game.
“It was impressive and I think the club’s a really good fit for me. I like the way the manager and the coaching staff go about their ways. It seems like a really close, tight knit, family club. They’ve got a really good track record of improving and developing players which is really what’s drawn me to the club.”
How is Leeds United’s goalkeeper search progressing? While the interest in Kelleher may have been genuine, Leeds never appeared likely to come out on top in that chase considering the number of more established Premier League clubs also targeting the former Liverpool understudy. Alongside Brentford, teams such as Newcastle United and Aston Villa were also mentioned as potential suitors, with all three firmly rooted in the top division.
And Kelleher was unlikely to be Leeds’ sole option, with a variety of other Premier League goalkeepers linked as Daniel Farke seems to value top-flight pedigree in that role. The latest name to surface in reports is Nick Pope, who could depart Newcastle if James Trafford joins them from Burnley.
Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone has also been suggested as a potential signing while Aaron Ramsdale of Southampton is attracting interest, with a £25m relegation release clause in his deal now active. However, despite the volume of links, Leeds are not expected to rush into any decisions during this early phase of the mini-window.
Nafisa
