Liverpool are on fire this summer and the flames just got higher as they snapped up star England goalkeeper Khiara Keating on a free transfer from Manchester City. The 22-year-old sensation reunites with manager Gareth Taylor, who gave her her WSL debut during his time in charge at the Etihad.
Keating was instrumental in Manchester City's Women's Super League title win last season, but reports from June hinted that she had been eyeing a move away amidst strong interest from the Reds. This is Liverpool's fourth summer signing and it looks like they're on the brink of something special.
Keating can't wait to get stuck in at Anfield, saying: "Liverpool is such a massive club and I think their women's team is really striving for greatness. The way they play suits me and my skills perfectly - they're going in the right direction and it's a project that I want to be a part of." With her England debut under her belt and a Euro 2025 medal to her name, Keating will be eager to nail down a regular spot and help the Reds push for major honours.
Last season was a bit of a battle for Keating at City, where she faced stiff competition from Japan's Ayaka Yamashita. Despite only starting four WSL games, she also helped her team win the Women's FA Cup - showing that she's more than capable of performing under pressure. Keating was even called up by Sarina Wiegman for crucial World Cup qualifying matches in June, but a concussion ruled her out.
Gareth Taylor played a massive role in Keating's development and it's no surprise that he's welcomed her back to the fold. He gave her her WSL debut at just 19 years old and guided her to an impressive nine clean sheets that season - a record-breaking achievement for the youngest goalkeeper to win the WSL Golden Glove award. With experience in the Women's Champions League and loan spells at AFC Fylde and Coventry United, Keating knows what it takes to succeed at the highest level. And she's made no secret of her desire for regular football - "I needed that missing piece of the puzzle," she said. "Liverpool can be that - a place where I play week-in, week-out, with a great team and win trophies." With Jennifer Falk's loan concluded in May, Liverpool were on the hunt for a new goalkeeper and it looks like they've found their star signing.