Celtic will reportedly make an attempt to sign Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher in the upcoming summer transfer window.
According to HITC, Celtic are keen on securing the services of Caoimhin Kelleher from Liverpool in the summer of 2024, in the wake of Joe Hart’s retirement announcement this week.
The Hoops keeper confirmed he intends to hang up his boots and take off his gloves for the final time in May after a two-decade career in the game, which means Brendan Rodgers will be on the hunt for a new number one at the end of the campaign—one that has already featured Liverpool’s Kelleher.
The Irish international has previously been linked with a move to the Scottish Premiership champions to kickstart his career. Kelleher has spent most of his Anfield career as well down the pecking order, with Alisson holding the spot as Jurgen Klopp’s undisputed first-choice.
Kelleher finds himself at a career crossroads
This led to the belief that Kelleher could benefit from a change of scenery. Indeed, the 25-year-old has proven himself a valuable member of Jurgen Klopp’s squad over the last two seasons.
Recently, with Liverpool’s first-choice sidelined with injury, the 25-year-old has been thrust into the limelight for the English Premier League leaders, starting the last seven games.
At Wembley on Sunday, Kelleher produced arguably the greatest performance of his career. Without Caoimhin Kelleher’s contribution, it’s unlikely the Reds would have won the Carabao Cup final.
The Irish goalkeeper made a series of stunning saves to prevent Chelsea from finding the back of the net before Virgil van Dijk’s header secured a 1-0 victory deep into extra-time.
Of course, this sort of performance from Kelleher isn’t uncommon. Klopp has called him “the best number two in the world,” but Kelleher is facing a career crossroads.
With Alisson currently considered one of the best goalkeepers in the world, it’s difficult to envisage how Kelleher can become the Reds’ number one, and he might have to leave Liverpool to take the next step in his development.
A potential move to Parkhead will keep him under pressure, week-in, week-out, and will iron out the kinds of mistakes that will inevitably come with more exposure.
