Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher could be on his way out of Anfield this summer, with Celtic reportedly interested in signing the 25-year-old.
According to the Daily Mail, Kelleher is one of the names on Celtic’s radar as they look to replace Joe Hart whose contract is set to expire at the end of the season.
The Irishman, who has featured 11 times this season, may be tempted to leave Anfield in the summer in a search for more minutes as a first-choice goalkeeper, with Brentford, Brighton, and Wolves also previously showing interest.
Jurgen Klopp previously made it clear he did not want to lose Kelleher; however, Liverpool’s stance could reportedly change if the goalkeeper does decide to leave, with Liverpool only willing to sell the Irish international for a fair price as he still has two-and-a-half years left on his contract.
“BOBBY FIRMINO: BEST IN THE WORLD” DOCUMENTARY | EPISODE 1
Speaking to the Cork Echo, Klopp has previously said: “Some of us have heard rumours and stuff like that, like so we have to let him go and stuff like that. We just can’t. We need a solution for us, and we are really happy with Caoimh. But he performs for us on incredibly high levels. He is an exceptional goalkeeper.”
Reports suggest if Liverpool were forced to let their number 2 to leave a fee of around £20 million would be adequate, however, a replacement would need to be lined up before the Reds began engaging in negotiations.
One name being mentioned as a potential replacement for Kelleher is Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson, with the Mirror reporting the 23-year-old is on Liverpool’s radar after impressing in recent seasons.
Patterson has featured in every league fixture this season for Sunderland and was an integral part of the Black Cats’ Championship play-off run last year. With over 100 appearances already for the Wearside club, he’s clearly establishing himself as a talented young goalkeeper.
With a contract running until 2026, Sunderland will be keen to keep hold of their first-choice goalkeeper, but with Klopp also keen to keep hold of Kelleher, the decision of the Irishman on whether to stay or go will ultimately dictate how this one could pan out.
‘IN THE SAME BREATH AS GERRARD’ – Liverpool Academy Coach On Trent Alexander-Arnold
Redmen Reacts
It’s no secret Kelleher has come under some scrutiny this season, conceding a few goals that, let’s face it, Alisson would’ve saved. But there’s no doubt he is a talented goalkeeper, which he’s shown plenty of times over recent years. The life of a second-choice keeper must be frustrating, particularly when you’re behind someone of Alisson’s level, but if Kelleher does feel the urge to make the step up to first choice elsewhere, then there may be little Klopp can do to keep him.
As for Patterson, he is fundamentally a very solid keeper, specialising in commanding the box and stopping crosses. He also boasts a good penalty-saving record, saving a third of the penalties he’s faced in the past year, with writer Philip West labelling him as ‘quality’. Is he the finished article just yet? Absolutely not. But at just 23 years old, there’s certainly room for him to develop into a very strong backup to Alisson if Liverpool do decide to bring him in. The question is, would he be willing to leave his boyhood Sunderland where he’s starting every week to suddenly play second fiddle to the best goalkeeper in the world? Only time will tell.
