Liverpool have moved quickly and decisively in the summer transfer window, confirming the signing of England goalkeeper Khiara Keating on a free transfer from Manchester City. The 22-year-old arrives at Anfield after allowing her contract at City to expire, with the noises out of the club over recent weeks making this one feel inevitable.

A reunion with Gareth Taylor

Keating reunites with Liverpool manager Gareth Taylor, who handed her both her WSL debut and oversaw what became a breakthrough campaign in the 2023-24 season. That year, aged just 19, she claimed the WSL Golden Glove after keeping nine clean sheets — the youngest goalkeeper ever to win the award. It is a relationship built on trust, and Liverpool are banking on that foundation to unlock the best of a talent widely regarded as one of the finest young stoppers in the country.

Taylor worked with Keating throughout her formative years at Manchester City, and the goalkeeper has spoken openly about why she chose to follow him to Merseyside. "Such a big club and I think the women's team is striving for greatness," Keating said. "The style of football that they play suits me and my position. They're just going in the right direction and it's a project that I want to be part of."

Regular football the driving force

The move is very much about game time. Despite being a City academy graduate and helping the club win a second WSL title last season as well as the Women's FA Cup, Keating found herself competing with Japan international Ayaka Yamashita for the number one shirt and managed only four WSL starts across the campaign. At 22 and with a Women's World Cup in Brazil next year firmly in her sights, she could not afford another season on the periphery.

"I've gained platforms and done brilliantly so far. But I needed that missing puzzle piece," she explained. "I think Liverpool can be that — somewhere I'm playing week-in, week-out and I'm getting good game time, to play with a good team and win trophies."

Liverpool fill the gap left by Falk

Liverpool had been in the market for a goalkeeper after Jennifer Falk's loan spell came to an end in May without a permanent deal materialising. Keating fills that void and then some — she arrives with WSL title-winning experience, Women's Champions League appearances on her CV, and England caps to her name. She made her senior international debut in October 2025 and was named in Sarina Wiegman's squad for the Women's World Cup qualifying fixtures against Spain and Ukraine in June, though concussion ruled her out of those matches.

Crucially, she was part of the England squad that triumphed at Euro 2025, and with Brazil 2026 on the horizon, she will be determined to pin down a regular spot for the Lionesses. A settled role at Liverpool week in, week out is the clearest route there.

Keating is handed the number 12 shirt and becomes Liverpool's fourth summer addition. The market will note this as a shrewd piece of business — a proven WSL performer secured for nothing, with the best years of her career still very much ahead of her.

Frequently asked

Why did Khiara Keating leave Manchester City?
Keating allowed her contract at Manchester City to expire after reportedly turning down an extension offer. Her decision was driven largely by a desire for regular first-team football, having started just four WSL games last season while competing with Japan goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita for the number one spot.
How much did Liverpool pay for Khiara Keating?
Liverpool signed Khiara Keating on a free transfer. Because her contract at Manchester City had expired, no transfer fee was required.
What shirt number will Khiara Keating wear at Liverpool?
Khiara Keating will wear the number 12 shirt at Liverpool.