Exclusive: ‘World-class’ star keen on Celtic move, Hoops may need to pay over £15m

Liverpool goalkeeper Coaimhin Kelleher is tempted by the prospect of Champions League football at Celtic but the Scottish giants know that even a club-record bid of £15 million might not even be enough.

The Republic of Ireland international has made it clear that he is ready to pursue more regular first-team football with Alisson Becker still very much in possession of the number one jersey at Anfield, and Celtic are certainly willing to offer Coaimhin Kelleher the starting role he craves.

Celtic, champions of Scotland again, bid farewell to Joe Hart last season. The 37-year-old signerd off with both a Premiership title and a cup final triumph over Old Firm rivals Rangers at Hampden Park.

 

Brendan Rodgers’ side have been linked with a number of potential replacements, including Aston Villa youngster Viljami Sinisalo, Trabzonspor captain Ugurcan Cakir, and free-agent Etienne Vaessen.

 

Kelleher, however, has been the name right at the top of Celtic’s wishlist ever since it became apparent that Hart was hanging up his gloves.

Celtic want Liverpool goalkeeper Coaimhin Kelleher

HITC understands that the Cork-born 25-year-old is intrigued by the prospect of playing in front of the famously impassioned Celtic Park crowd, with Champions League football in Glasgow another factor which appeals to him.

 

There is, however, a sizeable obstacle in the shape of the finances involved in any potential deal.

 

Celtic have never spent an eight-figure sum on a single player. Their record signing, Odsonne Edouard, joined from Paris Saint-Germain for £9 million back in 2018.

The Bhoys hope that they can get a deal for Kelleher done, even for a historic sum. But there is a fear that Liverpool will demand more than £15 million for a man who won an FA Cup, a Champions League and two EFL Cups under Jurgen Klopp.

 

“Caoimh was unbelievable,” Virgil van Dijk said after the ‘world-class’ Kelleher delivered a masterclass in shot-stopping during that League Cup final victory over Chelsea in the spring (Irish Examiner). “Such a mature performance.

 

“I say it often; we have the best goalkeeper in the world (Alisson) and the best number two in the world. I’m so happy for him.”

 

Despite the added revenue that Champions League group-stage qualification brings, Liverpool’s asking price is likely to test the limits of Celtic’s transfer budget.

HITC have been told that there is also interest in Kelleher from the Premier League, where clubs tend to be a lot more deep-pocketed than Celtic. Wolverhampton Wanderers are admirers but will only go for Kelleher if they lose current first-choice Jose Sa.

 

AFC Bournemouth, meanwhile, appear to have backed out of the race after bringing in Alex Paulsen. The New Zealand under 23 international joined from Wellington Phoenix last week.

 

Kelleher ready to consider Anfield exit this summer

Kelleher made 26 appearances last season, largely due to an extended absence from Alisson. Liverpool did not lose in any of their eight successive Premier League games he started either, Kelleher’s appetite for regular starts whetted as a result.

 

“It was the first time in my career that I’d had a spell like that and I loved it,” Kelleher recently told The Athletic. “I thrived on it. I’d been waiting for a moment like that. It was a massive opportunity for me to be Liverpool’s number one for that long.

 

“It was my time to show the level I believe I can perform at and the level people at the club think I’m able to play at. I proved that I’m good enough to play in the Premier League — I’m comfortable there. I’ve always had that belief in myself. Proving it to people was satisfying.

“I’ve had such an amazing time at Liverpool. It’s been a crazy journey for me and one that I’ve absolutely loved. I love the club, I love the fans and I have a great relationship with the players and the staff.

 

“Whether it’s here at Liverpool or somewhere else, I do feel the next step for me is to be a number one.”

FOR MORE NEWS CLICK HERE