By Michael Davey
Liverpool have sold back-up goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher to Brentford for an initial £12.5 million, with performance-related add-ons potentially seeing the fee rise to £18 million.
Kelleher joins countryman Nathan Collins and former Liverpool defender Sepp van den Berg in West London.
The move comes after the Bees sold former number one Mark Flekken to Erik ten Hag’s Bayer Leverkusen for £11 million.
As a result, Kelleher’s boyhood club Ringmahon Rangers will receive a £2.5 million boost.
The Reds, meanwhile, are set to welcome 23-year-old Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia, having agreed a deal worth up to £29 million for the Georgian last year.
Premier League winner departs
Brentford reportedly beat off competition from the likes of West Ham and Leeds United for the Republic of Ireland international’s services.
Kelleher departs Anfield as a Premier League champion after appearing in 10 games for Arne Slot’s side due to first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker’s recurring injury problems.
During the club’s title celebrations, Kelleher spoke to Optus Sport and voiced his desire for regular game time.
“I feel like I’m a number one and good enough to play week-in, week-out,” he declared. “And that’s what I’m looking to do.
“This season I was lucky enough to play a lot of games but yeah, [it’s] definitely something I am looking at.”
READ MORE: Liverpool transfer news: Jeremie Frimpong signs as TAA seals early Real Madrid deal
Buzzing for Brentford challenge
After completing the move to Brentford, Kelleher spoke to the club’s official website, saying: “I’m buzzing, I’m really happy to be here. 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.
“When I come back for pre-season, all focus will be on what I want to do next year, to work on certain goals and what I need to improve on, and to have a really good season for Brentford.”
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Captain Leah Williamson ‘devastated’ by Mary Earps’ decision to end England career
Looking to improve his game
The 26-year-old also highlighted the Bees’ track record of developing players as a significant draw in his decision to move to West London.
“I came down to meet the manager and some of the coaches,” he recalled. “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.”
READ NEXT: EJ Obiena completes pole vault three-peat at Asian Championships
James Mario Ajero 
Simon Wilkes