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England international Khiara Keating, a rising star of the Lionesses, has officially sealed a move to Liverpool after turning down a new contract offer from Manchester City. The talented goalkeeper, who faced limited playing opportunities last season, had been omitted from several of Sarina Wiegman’s England squads. With the Women's World Cup approaching within a year, Keating has opted to leave the club she joined as an 11-year-old and take on a new challenge with the Reds.

Liverpool Strengthen Goalkeeping Department with Keating Signing

Liverpool confirmed the acquisition of Keating on Monday, with reports from BBC Sport indicating that she has agreed to a three-year deal. The 22-year-old will don the No.12 jersey at Anfield. The move follows Keating’s decision to reject a new contract from Manchester City last month, despite the club having previously announced in 2023 that she had extended her deal until 2027. Consequently, Liverpool have managed to secure one of the country’s most promising goalkeepers on a free transfer, marking a shrewd piece of business for the Merseyside club.

The Reds had been in urgent need of a reliable goalkeeper. Earlier this year, they addressed the issue temporarily by bringing in Swedish international Jennifer Falk on loan in January, but were unable to finalise a permanent agreement at the season's end. As a result, Liverpool manager Gareth Taylor turned to a familiar face in Keating—he had coached her during her senior breakthrough season at Manchester City in 2023–24—to fill the crucial goalkeeping spot.

Keating Seeks Regular Playing Time Ahead of Women’s World Cup

Keating earned the Women's Super League Golden Glove at the end of the 2023–24 campaign, becoming the youngest ever recipient. However, her involvement decreased significantly thereafter. She made 12 league starts the following season (down from 22) and featured only four times in the WSL this past term, as City ended their decade-long wait for another league title under new head coach Andree Jeglertz. Although she started in the FA Cup, Keating missed the Wembley final after suffering a concussion.

In a May interview with GOAL, Keating admitted that her lack of minutes had been difficult, saying: “At the end of the day, everyone wants to play, so not getting as many minutes as I can in the league was a bit disappointing.” The reduced game time also saw her omitted from some of England’s squads, even after making her Lionesses debut at the Etihad Stadium in October.

Given her ambitions of representing England at the next Women’s World Cup, it was widely expected that Keating would seek a move away from Manchester in search of regular football. That move has now materialised, and she reunites with Taylor at Liverpool, where she is anticipated to become the team’s first-choice goalkeeper.

Keating Explains Why Liverpool Move Appeals to Her

Speaking after the move was announced, Keating said: “I think everyone knows Liverpool worldwide. It’s such a big club and I think the women’s team is striving for greatness. I think the style of football that they play suits me and my position. I think they’re just going in the right direction and [it is] a project that I want to be part of.”

She continued: “The start of my career has been nothing but amazing. I’ve gained platforms and done brilliantly so far. But I needed that missing [piece of the] puzzle and I think Liverpool can be that – where I’m playing week in, week out and I’m getting good game time, playing with a good team and winning trophies.”

How Will Manchester City Replace Keating?

Keating becomes Liverpool’s fourth signing of the summer, joining England youth international Mari Ward, former FC Koln defender Sara Agrez, and German forward Vivien Endemann. Her move could prompt Manchester City to re-enter the transfer market, even after their recent signings of Lionesses stars Beth Mead and Niamh Charles.

City currently have two other goalkeepers on their roster: Scotland international Eartha Cumings, who impressed in her three appearances across all competitions last season, including a strong display on the final day, and 20-year-old Eve Annets, who is yet to make her senior debut since joining from Reading two years ago. Should Annets depart on loan this season, City may need to bring in another goalkeeper to provide depth behind Japan international Ayaka Yamashita, who has taken over as the club’s No.1. Replacing Keating will not be straightforward, as backup goalkeepers of her calibre are hard to come by.