Brentford sign Caoimhin Kelleher to replace Mark Flekken who has joined Bayer Leverkusen

Brentford have completed the signing of Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, who arrives in West London as a replacement for Mark Flekken following his departure to Bayer Leverkusen.

Flekken has been sold to the Bundesliga side for around £8 million, while Kelleher's transfer will cost Brentford an initial £12.5 million, potentially rising to £18 million with performance-related add-ons.

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The Republic of Ireland international has signed a contract with the Bees that runs until 2030, with the club holding an option to extend the deal by a further year.

Since making his Liverpool debut in the EFL Cup against MK Dons, Kelleher has made 67 appearances for the Reds, including 25 in the Premier League. 

The 26-year-old won two Premier League titles, the Champions League, the FA Cup, two League Cups, and the UEFA Super Cup.

Liverpool sanctioned Kelleher's departure to make room for Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, who is set to join the club in July and will compete with first-choice Alisson Becker.

Speaking to BBC Sport about his move, Kelleher said:"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 number one 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."