Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp addresses Caoimhin Kelleher transfer speculation

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has addressed the speculation around Caoimhin Kelleher, who was heavily linked with Celtic in January. The Scottish Champions have been linked with the Ireland goalkeeper and it is expected that they will resume their interest in the summer with Joe Hart retiring.

Speaking at the media conference ahead of the weekend’s game against Nottingham Forest, Klopp was asked about the impact that Kelleher has made deputising for the injured Allison.

“It is completely normal that you have these discussions with players who are ready.

“An outfield player in a situation like Caoimhin would never come and talk about these sorts of perspectives because they have ten other positions. With a goalkeeper it is slightly different, but it never reached a point whereby it was, ‘You have to stay, shut up’.

“It was just the normal discussion about his future. The most important thing was we had to help him on the next step in his development by playing more games. I think he would be happy with the decision he made in the summer.

Republic of Ireland’s goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher punches the ball clear during the UEFA Nations League, league B group 1 football match between Republic of Ireland and Scotland at Aviva stadium in Dublin, Ireland on June 11, 2022. (Photo by PAUL FAITH / AFP) (Photo by PAUL FAITH/AFP via Getty Images)

“For me, there was no chance of him leaving, so I was not interested in who was asking. It would have had to be a proper price to give us a chance of doing something in a difficult market.

“It is not like other goalkeepers moving from A to B for £15million or £20million. That is totally unrealistic and nonsense.”

According to reports, the Liverpool No.2 is on £10k per week, despite the Reds seemingly valuing the 25-year-old at £15-20m. These figures would push Kelleher out of Celtic’s financial capabilities; however, if the player is keen a deal could be done. The issue is that Kelleher has impressed in recent games, especially in the League Cup Final where he made a number of big saves to deny Chelsea before Liverpool lifted the trophy.

Celtic are reportedly an option for a loan-to-buy deal that would see a temporary switch to Paradise in the summer and then an option to buy implemented, which is often agreed in advance by parties. There are, however, other teams vying for his signature as the Reds stopper eyes regular game time.