LIVERPOOL PLAYER TOLD TO LEAVE THE CLUB AFTER WHAT HAPPENED AGAINST CRYSTAL PALACE
Following what happened during his side's disappointing 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace on Sunday, one Liverpool player has now been urged to leave the club for the good of his career.
While second-choice goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher has long been linked with a move elsewhere this summer, Alisson's immediate return to the starting eleven following his injury should erase any lingering doubts the Irishman had about leaving, according to former Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Kasey Keller.
Speaking about the role of second-choice keepers on ESPN FC, Keller suggested that Kelleher's departure may now be the best for all involved.
"I’d have to play. I’d be leaving, for sure... [In my case] we had a lot of conversations and I had the opportunity to go to Gladbach and play," Keller said, drawing on his own experiences.
Crossroads
At 25 years old, Kelleher finds himself in a crucial phase of his career, where regular playing time is imperative for his development.
Despite Kelleher's commendable performances during Alisson's absence, including five clean sheets in 26 appearances, the Brazilian is firmly established as Liverpool's first-choice goalkeeper and showing no signs of relinquishing that role.
This means that opportunities for Kelleher will continue to be limited to just cups and injury cover.
Plenty of interest
With his value estimated at around £30 million, Kelleher possesses attributes sought after by numerous Premier League and European clubs.
In fact, in the final days of the January transfer window, Nottingham Forest expressed a keen interest, but a move never materialised because Liverpool were unable to find a replacement at such short notice.
However, Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo holds Kelleher in high regard and would be keen to reignite interest in the summer, according to the Mail.
Scottish giants Celtic hold an interest, too, but the fee demanded is likely to be prohibitive.
Liverpool, though, are understood to not want to stand in the way of any move - as long as their asking price is met.
24th January 2024 Craven Cottage, Fulham, London, England Carabao Cup Football Semi Final, Second Leg, Fulham versus Liverpool Caoimhin Kelleher of Liverpool celebrates with Conor Bradley after Liverpool win 3-2 on aggregate PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUK ActionPlus12601553 ShaunxBrooks
Possible replacements
With Kelleher's potential departure looming, Liverpool will need to recruit an able replacement, especially given that third choice Adrian's contract is up in the summer.
Reports suggest that the club has maintained interest in Anthony Patterson of Sunderland, a promising talent who has also represented England at youth level.
Additionally, Premier League clubs have been keeping tabs on Sam Tickle of Wigan Athletic.
Tickle's impressive performances under Shaun Maloney's guidance have earned him recognition, including a call-up to the England Under-21 squad.