The latest state of play on Celtic’s interest in Caoimhin Kelleher as intriguing update emerges.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers will look for a new goalkeeper this summer after Joe Hart announced his retirement at the conclusion of the season.
Over his 36-year tenure at Parkhead, he has won five trophies, including two Scottish Premiership crowns.
Despite facing age-related degeneration, Hart has decided to end his profession to preserve his legacy.
Last week, he added, “I truly believe that on game day, I peak. But I understand that time waits for no one, and
I don’t want my body to retire me. So one of the major aspects was believing that I could cross the finish line.”
At the time of writing, before Celtic face Dundee later tonight, Hart has 139 appearances for the Bhoys in all competitions, preserving 59 clean sheets.
While the Shrewsbury-born guy hunts for a fairytale ending featuring additional silverware, Rogers is likely already evaluating contenders to replace his present number one.
According to rumors, Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher and Trabzonspor stopper Ugurcan Cakir are among the early possibilities to replace Hart.
Celtic’s interest in Caoimhin Kelleher as update emerges.
According to The Daily Mail’s Liverpool Confidential, Celtic are’very interested’ to bring Republic of Ireland international Kelleher to Parkhead. This desire has grown stronger since Hart announced his retirement.
Despite this, the newspaper claims that the Bhoys are’very unlikely’ to be able to pay the 25-year-old, given his ‘ever-rising’ transfer worth.
Last weekend, Kelleher made nine stops in Liverpool’s 1-0 victory over Chelsea, assisting Jurgen Klopp’s side in winning the EFL Cup.
Deputising for Alisson, the Cork-born man received a laud appraisal from his manager following his heroics at Wembley, as Klopp revealed [Scottish Sun]: “We have the best goalkeeper in the world, and the best number two in the world.”
Caoimhin Kelleher would be a fantastic addition for Celtic
Kelleher may be out of reach due to the financial implications of any potential transfer; yet, he would be an excellent replacement for Hart’s upcoming departure.
This season, the Irishman has been a reliable presence in goal for his present club, with a save percentage of 68.4% in the Premier League [FBRef].
Celtic are unlikely to be alone in pursuing Kelleher this summer, but big doubts remain over whether a deal will be feasible given the massive spend required to lure him away from Anfield.
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