The controversial statement from a Liverpool idol who promises to mess up the club's backstage and stirs up fans

Liverpool legend John Aldridge has been highly critical of the club's decision to sign Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, who will only join the club in June 2025. In a recent interview, Aldridge stated that compatriot Caoimhín Kelleher is superior to the new keeper and that Liverpool are making a mistake by not valuing the Irishman.

"Another player who can't be allowed to leave in the January transfer window is Caoimhín Kelleher. I think Liverpool are making a mistake with their Irish goalkeeper, as Kelleher is better than the Georgian Giorgi Mamardashvili who will be coming to Anfield next summer," Aldridge told the Sunday World.

The former striker continued: "However, that signing has already been made, so Kelleher will need to leave Liverpool next summer. There may also be offers for him in January, but Liverpool need to keep hold of their reserve goalkeeper as he has proven he can be an important part of the trophy hunt in the second half of the season."

Kelleher, the forgotten gem?

Aldridge believes Kelleher has the potential to be a starter for any Premier League team and that Liverpool are underusing the Irish goalkeeper's talent. The former player highlighted that Kelleher has already shown his quality on several occasions and deserves more chances.

"I would say he would walk into virtually every other team in the Premier League as the number one and I include Manchester United, Tottenham, Chelsea and most of the teams in the top half of the table in that list of top-flight sides," Aldridge said.

The doubt over Kelleher's future

With the arrival of Mamardashvili confirmed, Kelleher's future at Liverpool is uncertain. The Irish goalkeeper is contracted to the club until 2026, but the trend is that he will leave Anfield in search of more first-team opportunities.

What do the fans think?

Aldridge's statement has sparked a great debate among Liverpool fans. Many agree with the former player and argue that Kelleher is the ideal goalkeeper for the club. Others, however, believe that Mamardashvili has the potential to become a great goalkeeper and that the duo can create a great competition for the position.