Aldridge Says 3 Clubs Made Big Error On Caoimhín Kelleher This Summer

While Brentford have had some difficult moments to start the Premier League season, there is no doubt that the signing of Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher had already proven to be a massive success.

The Cork man arrived from Liverpool for an initial fee of £12.5million, although that could eventually rise to £18million with potential add-ons.

Such an outlay already looks like a bargain. Kelleher has produced some moments of magic already this season, with the Irishman sure to play a massive part as Brentford attempt to climb the league table over the coming months.

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Aldridge Says Three Clubs Made Big Error With Caoimhín Kelleher

Brentford certainly pulled off quite the coup by brining in Caoimhín Kelleher this summer, although some are still puzzled by how they managed to get the deal over the line.

The Ireland no.1 had been linked with some big clubs both in England and Europe over the last couple of years, meaning it was a slight surprise to see him end up at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Writing in the Sunday World, John Aldridge admits that he was baffled to see Caoimhín Kelleher join a side with of Brentford's stature during the off-season, suggesting some other clubs missed a trick by not signing the player.

I still can’t believe Brentford got him for an initial fee of £12.5m, which could rise to £18m.

The choice of club is also a little surprising, as this lad is good enough to play for a club with trophy-chasing ambitions.

I’m not sure who was in for him and what options he had, but you look at clubs like Chelsea, Newcastle and, dare I say, even United, and they would all have been improved by signing Kelleher.

There were also rumours he was on the radar of top European clubs but ended up in London.

It is highly doubtful that Liverpool would have sanctioned a move to Manchester United for Caoimhín Kelleher, but both Chelsea and Newcastle United would have been interesting additions.

Those two clubs could do with an upgrade in the goalkeeping department. Robert Sanchez has consistently underperformed at Stamford Bridge, while summer signing Aaron Ramsdale is yet to make any impact at St James' Park as he sits behind Nick Pope in the pecking order.

Perhaps Kelleher's lack of a pedigree as a no.1 was a stumbling block for those clubs. In saying that, a strong campaign at Brentford this time around could see quite a bit of interesting in his services emerge by the time next summer rolls around.

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