Liverpool's failure to include buy-back clause in Kelleher sale leaves Iraola short of goalkeeper options

Liverpool’s decision to sell Caoimhin Kelleher to Brentford last summer without inserting a buy-back clause is emerging as a significant complication for incoming head coach Andoni Iraola, who must now plan for life beyond Alisson with limited in-house options.

Kelleher joined Brentford for an initial £12.5m, rising to £18m with add-ons, after spending several years as Alisson’s understudy at Anfield. The 27-year-old Republic of Ireland international had long sought regular first-team football, and Arne Slot sanctioned the move 12 months ago. Crucially, Brentford were able to negotiate the deal without granting Liverpool any right of repurchase.

The omission is now drawing attention. The Athletic has reported that the idea of Kelleher returning to Anfield has not been ruled out, though the absence of a buy-back clause means Liverpool would have no preferential route to re-signing him and would need to negotiate on Brentford’s terms.

Alisson, now 33, has been linked with Juventus and endured one of his more difficult seasons at Liverpool last term. Should the Brazilian depart, Iraola — who has just replaced Slot in the dugout — would be left weighing up the options already on the books.

Georgi Mamardashvili, signed by Liverpool in 2024 and loaned back to Valencia for a further year, served as Alisson’s deputy last season. The Georgian started 10 Premier League games, keeping just two clean sheets, with Liverpool losing six of those matches. He would be the frontrunner for the starting role if Alisson were to leave.

Freddie Woodman, signed from Preston last summer, made three Premier League appearances last term — one as a substitute — and represents a third-choice option rather than a credible long-term solution.

Kelleher’s time at Brentford offered a glimpse of what Liverpool are missing. He was part of a Bees squad that defied pre-season relegation predictions under Keith Andrews and pushed for European qualification. His composure at the top level was never in doubt — he memorably saved a Kylian Mbappé penalty in a Champions League tie during his time at Liverpool.

Iraola will be conducting a full assessment of the squad he has inherited, and the goalkeeper position appears to be one area where decisions made under his predecessor may yet require revisiting.