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“Everton defender Jake O’Brien gives verdict on £18m Liverpool transfer
Everton’s Jake O’Brien Backs Ireland Teammate Caoimhin Kelleher to Shine at Brentford Following Liverpool Exit
Everton defender Jake O’Brien has expressed strong support for his Republic of Ireland teammate Caoimhin Kelleher, believing the goalkeeper is ready to make a big impact at Brentford after finalizing his move from Liverpool.
Kelleher was notably absent from Ireland training on Monday as he traveled to London to complete the switch, a deal reported to be worth £18 million.
Kelleher, who earned a Premier League winners’ medal this season with Liverpool, has long made it clear that he is eager for regular first-team football.
With Brentford’s previous first-choice keeper Mark Flekken now at Bayer Leverkusen, manager Thomas Frank is expected to install Kelleher as his new No.1.
Speaking ahead of Ireland’s upcoming friendly against Senegal in Dublin, O’Brien praised his fellow Cork native:
“Everyone knows how talented he is and what he’s accomplished in recent years. If the move goes through, it’s a brilliant opportunity for him to be a first-choice Premier League goalkeeper,” he said.
“Getting the chance to play every week is massive, and he’s more than capable. Brentford is a club that’s done well, and it’s a great place for him to keep developing and achieve even more. He has a high ceiling and can really push on now.”
Despite having to play second fiddle to Alisson Becker at Anfield, Kelleher still managed 20 appearances across all competitions this past season and added another Carabao Cup medal to his collection.
He’s previously spoken during international duty about his desire for consistent playing time.
With Gavin Bazunu sidelined through injury, Kelleher has recently cemented his place as Ireland’s first-choice goalkeeper, making this move seem like the natural next step in his career.
O’Brien acknowledged the challenges Kelleher faced at Liverpool:
“Being the No.2 there is tough, especially with someone like Alisson ahead of you.
But he’s shown in the games he’s played that he’s up there with the best in the Premier League. I think next season he’ll prove that even more.”
While both players live in the same area on Merseyside, their club allegiances have kept their off-field interactions limited.
“We don’t see much of each other outside of international camps,”
O’Brien admitted. “It’s just one of those things in football – we’ve both got our own schedules. Plus, being on opposite sides of the Merseyside rivalry, some fans might not be too happy if we were spotted together!”
