Sport Nation 2Celtic’s search for a long-term goalkeeper is far from over, despite some recent signings that have filled the gap in the short term. With veteran Joe Hart retiring at the end of last season, the club made an ambitious move to sign Kasper Schmeichel as a free agent. While the decision raised eyebrows due to Schmeichel’s age, the Danish keeper has proven to be a valuable asset for the Hoops. However, Schmeichel, at 38, is not a long-term solution, and Celtic’s pursuit of a younger goalkeeper remains a key priority for the club.
Among the names linked with the Glasgow giants is Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher. The 25-year-old Irish goalkeeper has been a subject of interest for Celtic for over a year, but the move has yet to materialize. However, recent reports suggest Kelleher is ready to seek a move away from Anfield in the near future. According to Football Insider, Kelleher is determined to leave Liverpool in search of more regular first-team opportunities, which he is unlikely to get while behind Alisson Becker in the pecking order.
Kelleher’s Future at Liverpool
Kelleher’s rise at Liverpool has been impressive, but his chances to break into the starting lineup have been limited. Despite being one of the best backup goalkeepers in the world, Kelleher’s ambitions of playing regularly have grown. His potential to be a first-choice goalkeeper elsewhere has only intensified, especially as his contract at Liverpool enters its final stages. Although Kelleher has been a reliable second-choice option for Jurgen Klopp, he finds himself firmly behind Alisson, one of the top goalkeepers in world football.
For Kelleher, the time to leave Anfield could be fast approaching. At 25, he is entering the prime of his career and needs consistent playing time to continue his development. A move to a club like Celtic could offer him the opportunity he craves, with regular football likely available in the Scottish Premiership.
Celtic’s Goalkeeper Dilemma
Celtic have long been searching for a long-term solution between the posts. While Schmeichel’s signing has provided experience and stability, the 38-year-old’s age means he is unlikely to remain a fixture in the team for much longer. Celtic fans are aware that the club will need to look beyond Schmeichel in the near future, and Kelleher could be an ideal candidate to fill that role.
The Hoops have historically been reluctant to spend big on goalkeepers, but their willingness to break the bank for the right player was evidenced by the €6.5 million acquisition of Belgian midfielder Laurent Aberdour and more recently with the signing of Arne Engels. Celtic are not averse to paying for a player they believe in, and Kelleher fits that description. His pedigree as one of the most talented young goalkeepers in Europe could make him a valuable investment for the club.
However, Celtic will face stiff competition if they decide to pursue Kelleher. Liverpool’s asking price will likely be high, given Kelleher’s potential and the fact that he has shown his worth whenever called upon, particularly in cup competitions for Liverpool. The challenge for Celtic is balancing their interest with the financial realities of such a move, as it is expected that Liverpool would demand a substantial transfer fee to let their backup goalkeeper depart.
Kelleher’s Attributes and Potential Fit at Celtic
Celtic would be getting a goalkeeper with an excellent reputation. Kelleher’s shot-stopping ability is well-regarded, and his performances in Liverpool’s cup runs, including his critical role in their 2022 Carabao Cup victory, have demonstrated his readiness for top-flight football. His composure under pressure and excellent distribution skills are key attributes that would make him a solid fit for a team like Celtic, where playing out from the back is a significant part of their style of play.
At just 25, Kelleher still has a lot of potential to develop, and a move to Celtic could be the perfect environment for him to showcase his abilities on a regular basis. Given Celtic’s current dominance in the Scottish Premiership, playing for the Hoops would offer Kelleher the chance to play at a competitive level while also potentially making an impact in European competitions. For Kelleher, the opportunity to become the first-choice goalkeeper at a major club like Celtic could be a stepping stone to further international recognition with Ireland as well.
Celtic’s pursuit of Kelleher would make sense from both a footballing and financial perspective. He has the quality to contribute immediately, while also having the potential to be a long-term fixture in goal for the club. If Celtic can negotiate a reasonable transfer fee with Liverpool, Kelleher could prove to be one of their smartest signings in recent years.
What Are the Chances of a Move?
While Kelleher is likely to depart Liverpool, Celtic’s chances of securing his services depend on several factors. Firstly, they will need to address the financial aspect of the transfer. As mentioned, Liverpool will not let Kelleher go easily, and they will want to ensure they get a fair price for the player. Given Celtic’s typical spending patterns, they may need to be creative in structuring a deal, perhaps offering performance-related bonuses or negotiating terms that are more favorable for the club’s budget.
Secondly, Celtic will have to convince Kelleher that their project is the right move for him. The goalkeeper will likely have other suitors, including Premier League clubs and sides from across Europe. Celtic will need to offer him not only first-team football but also the prospect of success in both domestic and European competitions.
Lastly, Celtic’s current squad and their trajectory in European football could play a role in Kelleher’s decision. A team that is regularly competing in the UEFA Champions League and pushing for domestic titles will always be an attractive proposition for players of Kelleher’s caliber. The Hoops’ ongoing development, including their strong performances in European competition, will be key factors in convincing Kelleher that Celtic is the right place for him to continue his career.
Conclusion
Caoimhin Kelleher’s potential move to Celtic is one to watch closely. The young goalkeeper, while happy at Liverpool, is unlikely to continue as a backup to Alisson indefinitely. For Celtic, the opportunity to sign Kelleher would be a major coup. A move to Glasgow could offer Kelleher the playing time he craves, while providing Celtic with a talented, long-term solution in goal. As the transfer window approaches, it will be interesting to see whether Celtic take the plunge and make a move for one of the most promising goalkeepers in Europe.
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Amina Umar