Liverpool Women have strengthened their squad ahead of the new Women’s Super League season by completing the signing of England goalkeeper Khiara Keating, who has joined the Reds on a free transfer after deciding against extending her contract with Manchester City.
The 22-year-old Lionesses international has signed a three-year contract at Anfield and will wear the No. 12 jersey as she begins a new chapter in her promising career. Her arrival represents one of Liverpool’s most significant pieces of business this summer, with the Merseyside club securing one of England’s brightest goalkeeping talents without paying a transfer fee.
Keating’s decision to leave Manchester City ends an 11-year association with the club she joined as an academy player. Although City announced in 2023 that the goalkeeper had agreed a long-term contract until 2027, she opted not to sign a revised deal offered this summer, allowing Liverpool to capitalize on the opportunity to recruit an established international goalkeeper.
The move is widely viewed as an important career decision for Keating, who is determined to secure regular first-team football ahead of the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Liverpool had identified the goalkeeper position as a priority following the departure of Swedish international Jennifer Falk, whose successful loan spell at the club could not be turned into a permanent transfer. With an experienced shot-stopper needed to strengthen the squad, the Reds moved quickly to secure Keating’s signature.
An additional factor behind the transfer is the reunion with head coach Gareth Taylor, who handed Keating her senior breakthrough during their time together at Manchester City.
Taylor has always spoken highly of the goalkeeper’s ability, and Liverpool believe she possesses both the quality and experience to become the club’s first-choice goalkeeper for years to come.
Speaking after completing the move, Keating explained why Liverpool represented the ideal destination at this stage of her career.
“Liverpool is one of the biggest football clubs in the world,” she said. “The women’s team has clear ambitions, and I believe the style of football they play suits me perfectly. I wanted to become part of a project that is moving in the right direction.”
She added that while her career has already included many memorable moments, consistent playing opportunities were now essential for her continued development.
“I’ve had an amazing start to my career, but I felt something was missing. I want to play every week, continue improving, help the team compete for trophies and put myself in the strongest possible position for the future.”
Keating’s football journey has been one of steady progress from an early age.
Born in Manchester, she joined Manchester City’s academy at just 11 years old and developed through one of England’s most respected youth systems.
Her technical ability with the ball at her feet, sharp reflexes and calm decision-making quickly marked her out as one of the country’s top young goalkeepers.
Her breakthrough arrived during the 2023/24 Women’s Super League season when she established herself as City’s first-choice goalkeeper.
That campaign proved historic as Keating won the WSL Golden Glove, becoming the youngest goalkeeper ever to claim the award after recording the league’s highest number of clean sheets.
Her performances earned widespread praise from pundits and former players, with many tipping her to become England’s long-term successor between the posts.
Her outstanding domestic form also earned international recognition.
Keating received her first senior England call-up under Lionesses manager Sarina Wiegman and made her debut at the Etihad Stadium, fulfilling a lifelong ambition.
However, the following seasons proved more challenging.
After starting 22 league matches during her breakthrough campaign, her opportunities gradually declined. She featured in only 12 Women’s Super League matches the following season before making just four league starts during the most recent campaign.
Although she remained City’s first-choice goalkeeper in the Women’s FA Cup, her hopes of playing in the final at Wembley were ended after she suffered a concussion before the showpiece event.
The lack of regular football also affected her international prospects, with Wiegman leaving her out of several England squads due to limited club appearances.
Recognising the importance of consistent playing time ahead of the Women’s World Cup, Keating decided a fresh challenge offered the best route to revive her momentum.
Liverpool believe they have secured one of the most talented young goalkeepers in Europe.
Her excellent distribution, confidence when playing from the back and ability to command the penalty area perfectly suit the modern style of football increasingly adopted across the Women’s Super League.
Keating also brings valuable experience despite her young age, having already competed in domestic title races, European competitions and senior international football.
The goalkeeper becomes Liverpool’s fourth signing of the summer transfer window, joining England youth international Mari Ward, Austrian defender Sara Agrez and German forward Vivien Endemann as the club continues rebuilding its squad.
For Manchester City, Keating’s departure creates an important gap within the goalkeeping department.
Although Japan international Ayaka Yamashita remains the club’s established first-choice goalkeeper, City may now need additional cover, particularly if young goalkeeper Eve Annets secures another loan move during the upcoming season.
As Liverpool prepare for another Women’s Super League campaign, Keating’s arrival reflects the club’s ambition to compete at the highest level while building around talented young players capable of leading the team for years to come.
For the goalkeeper herself, the transfer offers the opportunity to play regular football, strengthen her position within the England national team and continue developing into one of Europe’s elite goalkeepers.
