If a report from The Daily Mail’s Lewis Steele is believed to be true, Celtic are keeping close tabs on Liverpool ‘number 2′ Caoimhin Kelleher over a potential summer transfer. But they are not alone in the hunt with three Premier League clubs also monitoring his situation at Anfield as the understudy to Alisson Becker.
The 25-year-old Republic of Ireland international joined the Reds’ academy ranks from Ringmahon Rangers back in the summer of 2015. He made significant strides to replace Adrian as the second-choice custodian but has so far made just 32 senior appearances across competitions. With little game-time between the sticks, Kelleher was assessing his options in the summer. However, Jurgen Klopp refused to sell their prized asset as revealed by the German chief a few weeks ago.
“We had discussions in the summer, obviously, about it. But as long as we don’t have a solution, we cannot loan players. He is homegrown and all these kinds of things. So we have to make sure, first and foremost, the first responsibility is to do the best for Liverpool. And then we have to see how we can sort it.”
Although he is being preferred in the Cups and Europa League so far this season, a player of his calibre deserves minutes week in, and week out to justify his potential. Liverpool should listen to the suitors if a suitable bid is tabled for the Irishman and Celtic, therefore, must splash the cash in the summer to secure his services north of the border.
Why Celtic Must Step Up The Chase
The Hoops are highly reliant on veteran Joe Hart who has been the undisputed ‘number 1′ since joining the Glasgow giants back in August, 2021. The 36-year-old Three Lions great has restored stability in goal but, at the same time, needs to be replaced in the long run given his contract at Parkhead is set to expire in less than six months’ time.
Kelleher, known for his calmness and composure, was instrumental to Liverpool’s 2021-22 EFL Cup triumph defeating Chelsea at Wembley Stadium. His decision-making, reflexes and the ball-playing ability make him a perfect fit for the sweeper-keeper role.
The Reds are in no rush to part ways with Kelleher having tied him down until the summer of 2026. Yet they must let him leave before next season to maximize the profit. He is likely to make a few more appearances over the next few months and his performances would be assessed minutely before making the final call.
