Currently, a lot of teams have acquired strong backups for their teams who are worthy of being starters. The only reason they are still number 2 is due to the availability of a stronger first choice. The same situation prevails at Liverpool, with Caoimhin Kelleher wishing for more first-team appearances. Jurgen Klopp, in his 8-year-plus tint, has left behind a very strong squad for Arne Slot, and it is brimming with talent. It is without a doubt that the best goalkeeper in the world belongs to Anfield. Allison Becker, when signed for £66.8 million from Roma, gained a lot of attention from the media, but he has lived up to his price tag. Allison has recently received offers from Saudi Arabia, but according to reports, he has shone them down with a desire to continue at the highest level. This has made the situation for Irish keeper Kelleher more complicated.
Caoimhin Kelleher the best backup keeper in the world is set to leave Anfield: Price tag set really high
With Allison Becker staying back, nothing could make the Kopites happier. Although this jeopardises the situation for Caoimhin Kelleher, who had more starts for Liverpool last season than expected. The Irishman has 26 appearances to his name in total during the 23/24 season and has delivered in dire situations. He has proved to be highly dependable. Eight of his appearances were in the Europa League, and now Liverpool’s return to the Champions League slot would surely limit him to domestic cup games. As a reliable backup for an injured Allison, he is integral to keeping the team’s harmony. However, this is hampering Kelleher’s personal growth, with the lad getting fewer chances in international duties, with Gavin Bazunu from Southampton given more priority due to his regularity in the team.
Kelleher has always gotten high praise from his peers and his former manager. His performance has led the team’s captain, Virgil Van Dijk, to label him as “fantastic.” Klopp also praised the keeper during his stellar performances in the absence of Allison. The German said;
“We have the best goalkeeper in the world, and we have the best number two in the world”
Van Dijk also added,
“I have always said he is world class and he stepped up today, again. It’s good to see. He’s [Caoimhim Kelleher] a good boy, good goalkeeper and that’s what we need at a club like Liverpool.”
A high price for a backup keeper: Clubs willing to negotiate
The price tag for the keeper has been confirmed. The high price is something that people were least expecting. But with high praise comes a price, and with the label of “best backup,” this seems justified. A baffling 25 million pounds is something that has made headlines, and Liverpool are not willing to let Caoimhin Kelleher go any cheaper than this. Although a giant sum, this is a representation of his quality over the years. A prior report from the Daily Mail stated that Liverpool are highly unlikely to stand in the Irishman’s way. Scottish giants Celtic are interested in signing the man back home after Joe Hart has declared his retirement from professional football. Other clubs interested are Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton FC.
This will be interesting to see for how much of a bid the 25-year-old will be sold, as 25 million sounds too good to be true. As a matter of fact, Andriy Lunin is another keeper who has had an amazing season. The Russian is seeking first-team options in Europe too. This makes two keeper who can make a strong wall for teams requiring a betterment in defence and cleansheets. The competition for signing the better quality is a race that fellow journalists and fans will enjoy over the summer transfer window.
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