Keating joins Liverpool Women
Liverpool FC Women has announced the signing of goalkeeper Khiara Keating, who joins the club following the expiration of her contract with Manchester City. The England international arrives at Liverpool as a permanent acquisition, with reports indicating a three-year deal has been signed. This move sees Keating reunite with head coach Gareth Taylor, under whom she previously played at City.
Keating expressed her enthusiasm for 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, describing it as a project she is eager to be a part of. The goalkeeper also mentioned the significant role her family played in her decision, particularly her younger sister, Aiyarna, who is part of Liverpool’s academy system.
Family connections and career trajectory
The move to Liverpool makes the club a family affair for Keating, as her sister Aiyarna is already integrated into the academy. Keating shared that her sister’s presence and support, along with that of her entire family, were significant factors in her decision to join the Reds. She reflected on her unique football journey, which began as a striker before transitioning to a goalkeeper, and included stints at Manchester United and Manchester City before her arrival at Liverpool.
Keating’s career at Manchester City saw her make her senior debut in the 21/22 season, contributing to a 5-0 league victory against Leicester City. During the 23/24 season, she recorded 12 clean sheets across 29 appearances. However, her playing time reportedly decreased in the final two years of her contract following the arrival of Ayaka Yamashita and the appointment of Andree Jeglertz, who continued to prefer Yamashita.
Despite initial reports suggesting she had a year remaining on her previous deal, Keating opted to make the switch to Liverpool after her contract concluded. Her international career includes progressing through England’s youth squads, earning her first senior call-up for the Lionesses in October 2023 for a match against Brazil. She was also part of Sarina Wiegman’s squad that won the Euros in Switzerland in 2025, though her senior debut came in a friendly against Brazil after the tournament.
Ambitions and future at Anfield
Keating spoke about her strong desire to win trophies and contribute to Liverpool’s success. She views this move as an opportunity to secure consistent playing time and further develop her career. The goalkeeper expressed excitement about playing at Anfield, a stadium she described as special, and looks forward to representing Liverpool in front of its supporters. She also anticipates playing regularly at St Helens, the team’s home ground, and experiencing the support of the home crowd.
Her reunion with Gareth Taylor is a significant aspect of her move. Keating acknowledged Taylor’s role in giving her a chance at a young age at Manchester City and expressed respect for him. She believes his coaching style, which emphasises playing football out from the back, suits her game well. Keating is eager to contribute to the team’s project and aims to be a key part of Liverpool’s pursuit of future achievements.
The acquisition of Keating is considered a crucial signing for Liverpool, especially after the club’s inability to secure a permanent deal for previous goalkeeper Jennifer Falk following her loan spell. Keating’s arrival is expected to strengthen the squad as they aim for a more successful season in the WSL. She hopes that in the coming years, Liverpool fans will be pleased with her contributions to the team’s success.
Keating’s journey has been described as a whirlwind, moving from a striker to a goalkeeper and playing for several prominent clubs. She credits her family for their unwavering support throughout her career. She is looking forward to the future, aiming to create many more positive memories with Liverpool and achieve her ambition of becoming an England and Liverpool No.1.
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Source: liverpoolfc.com
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Joel Kavanagh is a Sports News Writer at News-GB. He started on a Midlands sports desk. He focuses on rugby union, golf and boxing and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Journalism from De Montfort University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Leicester, he plays amateur rugby and follows the fight calendar. “In sport news, the first ten minutes decide everything.”