LONDON – In an eventful transfer window, Brentford has completed the sale of Mark Flekken to Bayer Leverkusen and quickly filled the goalkeeper position by signing Caoimhin Kelleher from Liverpool.
Flekken, who has earned caps as a Netherlands international, has moved to Bayer Leverkusen on a three-year deal. The transfer fee remains undisclosed. At Leverkusen, Flekken will work under Erik ten Hag, formerly of Manchester United. The current first-choice at the club, Lukas Hradecky, will now face competition from Flekken.
Leverkusen’s sporting director, Simon Rolfes, praised Flekken’s abilities, stating, “Mark Flekken possesses a wide range of skills that a goalkeeper in modern top-flight football needs. He has strong reflexes, good control of the penalty area, and, thanks to his height of 1.95 meters, has tremendous reach.”
The 31-year-old Flekken has significant experience from his stint at Brentford, where he made 77 appearances over two seasons in the Premier League. Speaking about the transfer, Brentford’s director of football, Phil Giles, reflected, “We were expecting Mark to be our goalkeeper for many more years. However, when Bayer Leverkusen showed interest and Mark expressed a desire to move closer to home with the possibility of Champions League football, we initiated discussions to ensure a smooth transition for all parties.”
Having previously played in Germany for Duisburg and Freiburg, Flekken now has the opportunity to vie for prestigious titles in the Bundesliga. “To be able to contribute my qualities to a top German club now makes me very happy,” Flekken remarked. “I love the Bundesliga and look forward to challenging for the Champions League with the Werkself.”
Shortly after Flekken’s switch was officially announced, Brentford revealed that Caoimhin Kelleher would join them on a five-year deal, with the fee undisclosed. Kelleher, an Ireland international, served as the backup to Liverpool’s main goalkeeper, Alisson Becker.
Explaining the strategic move, Giles said, “We have scouted him in the past and knew that he was entering the final year of his contract with Liverpool this summer. When Mark Flekken was given the opportunity to move to Bayer Leverkusen, Caoimhín was our ideal candidate for the replacement.” Over his tenure, Kelleher made 67 appearances across various competitions for Liverpool.
Each signing signals a new chapter for these keepers at both Brentford and Bayer Leverkusen, as they aim to build strong defenses for future challenges.