Liverpool have completed the signing of England international goalkeeper Khiara Keating on a permanent transfer following the expiration of her Manchester City contract.
The 22-year-old arrives at the AXA Melwood Training Centre as Liverpool’s fourth signing of the summer and reunites with head coach Gareth Taylor, who handed her first-team opportunities during their time together at Manchester City.
The move comes shortly after Liverpool confirmed that young goalkeeper Rafaela Borggrafe would remain at Bayer Leverkusen on loan for the 2026/27 season, leaving the Reds in need of additional experience and competition in the goalkeeping department.
From Manchester City Academy Prospect to WSL Golden Glove Winner
Khiara Keating joined Manchester City’s academy in 2015 and steadily progressed through the club’s youth system before making her senior debut in a 5-0 League Cup victory over Leicester City in January 2022.
After gaining valuable experience during loan spells at AFC Fylde and Coventry United, the goalkeeper established herself as one of the brightest young talents in the Women’s Super League.
Her breakthrough campaign came in 2023/24 when she made 29 appearances across all competitions and recorded 12 clean sheets. Keating’s performances helped City remain in the WSL title race until the final day, while her nine league clean sheets earned her the WSL Golden Glove award.
She would go on to add UEFA Women’s Champions League experience and became part of England’s European Championship-winning squad in 2025 before making her senior Lionesses debut against Brazil later that year.
Across her Manchester City career, Keating made 65 appearances and helped the club secure multiple major honours, including a WSL and FA Cup double during the 2025/26 season.
Why Liverpool Appealed to Keating
Speaking after completing her move, Keating highlighted Liverpool’s ambitions and playing style as major factors behind her decision.
“I think everyone knows Liverpool worldwide. It’s such a big club and I think the women’s team is striving for greatness,” she said. “I think the style of football that they play, they actually try to play – which suits me and my position.
The goalkeeper also pointed to the opportunity for regular football as a key reason behind the switch.
“The start of my career has been nothing but amazing. I’ve gained platforms and done brilliantly so far. But I needed that missing piece of the puzzle. And I think Liverpool can be that — where I’m playing week in, week out and I’m getting good game time, playing with a good team and winning trophies.”
Family Connection Adds Extra Significance
The transfer also carries a personal dimension for Khiara Keating. Her younger sister, Aiyarna Keating, is already part of Liverpool’s academy system, meaning the move brings the siblings under the same club umbrella for the first time.
Keating admitted the family connection was one of several factors that made Liverpool an attractive destination, with the possibility of one day sharing a first-team dressing room becoming a realistic prospect.
A Statement Signing for Liverpool
Liverpool’s recruitment this summer has reflected a growing ambition under Gareth Taylor, and the arrival of Keating could prove one of the most significant deals completed by the club.
Despite being only 22 years old, she arrives with international experience, Champions League exposure, a WSL Golden Glove award, and multiple domestic trophies already on her résumé.
For Liverpool, the signing represents far more than adding depth in goal. It is the acquisition of a goalkeeper entering the prime developmental years of her career and one who openly believes she can challenge for both trophies and England’s No.1 shirt.
Whether that ambition can be fulfilled at Liverpool remains to be seen, but the Reds have secured one of the most highly regarded young goalkeepers in English football.
Related: Rafaela Borggrafe will continue her development in Germany after Liverpool agreed to extend the goalkeeper’s loan spell with Bayer Leverkusen for the 2026/27 season.
Transfer Snapshot
- Player: Khiara Keating
- Age: 22
- Position: Goalkeeper
- From: Manchester City
- To: Liverpool FC Women
- Transfer Type: Permanent transfer (following contract expiry)
- Contract: Undisclosed
- International: England Senior International
- Shirt Number: 12
- Previous Clubs: Manchester City, AFC Fylde (loan), Coventry United (loan)
- Key Achievement: 2023/24 WSL Golden Glove winner
Source: Liverpool
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