Celtic’s search for Joe Hart’s successor has led to speculation around various goalkeepers, including Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher.
The 25-year-old Irish international has been linked with a move to Celtic Park as Hart prepares to retire from professional football.
Just this week reports emerged saying Celtic had identified the Liverpool shirt stopper as Hart’s replacement.
Kelleher’s abilities between the posts are well-regarded, demonstrated by his impressive performance in the Carabao Cup Final, further enhancing his reputation as a top-class goalkeeper.
However, the prospect of signing Kelleher appears to be a distant dream for Celtic due to the financial implications involved. Liverpool’s valuation of the goalkeeper is a significant barrier; the club reportedly rejected a £15 million offer from Nottingham Forest on deadline day, a figure that already exceeds Celtic’s current transfer record. [Daily Mail]
Following his recent showcase of talent, it’s expected that Liverpool’s asking price could climb even higher, putting him well out of Celtic’s financial reach.
Celtic operates within a financial ecosystem vastly different from that of the Premier League. Breaking the club’s transfer record for Kelleher would require not just a substantial investment but a paradigm shift in Celtic’s transfer policy—a move that seems unlikely given the club’s prudent approach to signings.
The goalkeeper’s potential transfer fee, coupled with his rising stock, makes it clear why a move to Celtic, despite the apparent fit and need, may remain a tantalising what-if scenario.
