MX23RW : Thursday, December 19 20:25:06| >> :60:1733:1733:

Chelsea transfer news: Are Blues planning Caoimhin Kelleher move?

What is Chelsea's stance on Sanchez amid alleged Kelleher interest?
© Imago
Chelsea reportedly decide on their stance regarding their goalkeeping positions amid suggestions that they could move for Liverpool stopper Caoimhin Kelleher.

Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez reportedly has a future at Stamford Bridge despite alleged interest in Liverpool's Caoimhin Kelleher.

Sanchez has endured a mixed opening 17 months with the Blues, initially leaving Brighton & Hove Albion to act as backup to Kepa Arrizabalaga.

However, Sanchez has since spent time in and out of the team, ending 2023-24 as deputy to Djordje Petrovic before regaining his place since the arrival of head coach Enzo Maresca.

The Italian has been unwavering of his support for the 27-year-old even when he has been producing inconsistent performances or making glaring errors at the back.

Nevertheless, speculation persists that Chelsea's recruitment team remain proactive in their efforts to strengthen each position at the club, the latest report suggesting that Kelleher is a new name on their radar.

Ibrahima Konate, Caoimhin Kelleher and Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool during their side's match against RB Leipzig, on October 23, 2024© Imago

What is Chelsea's goalkeeping stance?

The Republic of Ireland international is regarded by many as the best backup goalkeeper in world football and he will not be short of offers when he is expected to be placed on the market in 2025.

Kelleher - whose contract at Anfield expires in 2026 - has publicly acknowledged that he wants to become a first-choice stopper, something that appears unlikely while Alisson Becker remains at the club.

A report on Monday claimed that Chelsea were preparing to enter the race for the 25-year-old, that only a realistic possibility should Sanchez be demoted down the pecking order.

According to sports broadcaster Ben Jacobs, who was commenting on X, Chelsea have no plans to make changes to their goalkeeping department for the foreseeable future.

Chelsea allegedly have no interest in attempting to negotiate a deal for Kelleher, believing that they already have sufficient options in the short and long term.

Genk goalkeeper Mike Penders in action in July 2024.© Imago

Trio fighting for one position

As well as having Sanchez on their books, Chelsea paid in the region of £20m to sign Villarreal goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen during the summer transfer window.

While the 22-year-old is currently being restricted to appearances in cup matches, the West Londoners seemingly see potential in the Denmark Under-21 international.

Furthermore, Chelsea have already committed to signing Club Brugge youngster Mike Penders for an alleged £17.1m fee in 2025.

Despite having just three senior appearances to his name, there is a belief that the 19-year-old will eventually challenge for the number one position.

ID:558469:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect5149:
Written by
Darren Plant

Click here for more stories about Caoimhin Kelleher

Click here for more stories about Chelsea

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Liverpool's Caoimhin Kelleher pictured on October 23, 2024
Read Next:
Liverpool's Kelleher handed shock Big Six escape route?
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool15113131131836
2Chelsea16104237191834
3Arsenal1686229151430
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest168442119228
5Manchester CityMan City168352823527
6Bournemouth167452421325
7Aston Villa167452425-125
8Fulham166642422224
9Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton166642625124
10Tottenham HotspurSpurs1672736191723
11Brentford167273230223
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle166552321223
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd166462119222
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham165472129-819
15Crystal Palace163761721-416
16Everton153661421-715
17Leicester CityLeicester163582134-1314
18Ipswich TownIpswich162681628-1212
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1623112440-169
20Southampton1612131136-255


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!