Liverpool secures Khiara Keating on three-year deal
Liverpool strengthens squad with England international
Liverpool has officially announced the signing of England goalkeeper Khiara Keating on a three-year contract. Keating joins the club from Manchester City following the expiration of her previous deal. This move sees her reunite with manager Gareth Taylor, under whom she previously played in Manchester.
The 22-year-old goalkeeper is a product of the Manchester City academy system, which she joined in 2015. She made her senior debut in the 2021-22 season, contributing to a significant league victory. During her time at City, Keating played a role in the team securing a Women’s Super League title last season, as well as a Women’s FA Cup win.
Keating’s arrival marks Liverpool’s fourth summer signing. Her decision to join Liverpool comes after reports in June indicated she had declined a contract extension offer from Manchester City, amidst interest from the Merseyside club. The signing is considered crucial for Liverpool, especially after their efforts to secure a permanent deal for goalkeeper Jennifer Falk, whose loan spell concluded in May, were unsuccessful.
Keating’s career trajectory and ambitions
Keating’s career has seen her progress through various stages, including short loan spells at AFC Fylde and Coventry United. She also brings experience from the Women’s Champions League. Despite her young age, she is highly regarded as one of the country’s top emerging goalkeepers.
Her international career includes progressing through England’s youth squads, with her senior call-up to the Lionesses occurring in October 2023 for a match against Brazil. Keating was part of the squad that won the Euros in Switzerland in 2025. She made her England debut in October 2025 at Etihad Stadium and was called up for crucial Women’s World Cup qualifying matches in June against Spain and Ukraine, though she missed out due to concussion.
In the 2023-24 season, manager Gareth Taylor handed Keating her WSL debut and oversaw her breakout campaign. During that period, she became the youngest goalkeeper to win the WSL Golden Glove award, achieving nine clean sheets. However, in her final two years at City, her playing time decreased following the arrival of Ayaka Yamashita, who was often preferred, particularly after the appointment of Andree Jeglertz.
Keating expressed her excitement about joining Liverpool, highlighting the club’s global recognition and the women’s team’s ambition. She noted that the team’s playing style aligns with her own and that she views Liverpool as a project moving in the right direction, one she is eager to be a part of. She also mentioned the importance of regular game time to further her development and win trophies.
Family connections and future aspirations
The move to Liverpool also brings a family connection for Khiara Keating, as her younger sister, Aiyarna, is part of Liverpool’s academy system. This sibling connection was cited as one of the factors that attracted Keating to the club. She spoke about the possibility of one day playing alongside her sister, noting that in two years, Aiyarna could legally be on the same team.
Keating’s football journey began as a striker before transitioning to a goalkeeper. She has played for Manchester United, Manchester City, and now Liverpool. She credits her family for their unwavering support throughout her career, describing their backing as indescribable. Her mother, who initially encouraged her to play football, is among her proudest supporters.
Looking ahead, Keating is ambitious about her future at Liverpool. She aims to play a significant role in the team’s success and contribute to winning trophies. She hopes that in a few years, Liverpool fans will be pleased with her signing and her contributions to the team. Her ambition also includes securing a regular spot for next year’s Women’s World Cup in Brazil and potentially becoming an England and Liverpool number one.
Keating’s total appearances for Manchester City across her career amounted to 65. She is set to play for Liverpool in the 2026-27 season.
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Source: bbc.com
