This summer, Caoimhin Kelleher might be leaving Liverpool.
Despite not wanting to let Caoimhin Kelleher leave Liverpool this summer, manager Jurgen Klopp might be compelled to do so. After serving as Alisson’s backup for several seasons, the Republic of Ireland goalkeeper is now looking for regular starts.
The 24-year-old is highly regarded at Anfield and has won the hearts of fans with his contributions in recent campaigns, becoming renowned for his heroics in saving penalties. Kelleher, however, is now of the age where he desires to play frequently.
The Reds may lose their dependable No.2 in the upcoming weeks with Alisson now Liverpool’s undisputed first choice following another outstanding campaign. According to reports from This Is Anfield, Klopp would prefer to retain the Irishman for at least another year.
Kelleher, however, only appeared on the field eight times the year before and five times last season. For the No.1 spot in Ireland, he is competing with Southampton’s Gavin Bazunu, who made 32 appearances in the Premier League last season.
Kelleher will therefore be eager to investigate any intriguing offers that might come his way this summer. Moreover, during his tenure on Merseyside, Klopp’s transfer strategy has mainly consisted of letting players leave if a better opportunity arises elsewhere or if they so choose.
This might imply that, against his will and as a token of appreciation for his loyalty over the previous few seasons, the German gave Kelleher permission to leave this summer. Despite his skills, the goalkeeper has not complained about not getting enough playing time.
Any departure would force Klopp to find a replacement, ideally one who is a homegrown player to avoid occupying yet another non-homegrown position. The Reds currently only have two such positions open.
Goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler of Hannover 96 is one player who meets that requirement and has been connected to Liverpool. Despite being German, the former Manchester United player is considered a native because he resided in Manchester from 2005 to 2010.
The former Leicester loanee would avoid occupying one of the final two non-homegrown spots because he never once played for the Red Devils’ first team. Given that several of Liverpool’s other summer targets, such as Khephren Thuram of Nice and Manu Kone of Borussia Monchengladbach, would also occupy those spots, that would be helpful.
Given that they will be competing in the Europa League in 2023–2024, Liverpool will be eager to have a dependable No 2. The 36-year-old Adrian, who has spent the past three seasons as the third choice, has signed a contract extension and may be promoted to serve as Alisson’s back-up if the inexpensive signing of Zieler is not an option.
