Jurgen Klopp is looking to sign a new goalkeeper in the summer transfer window, with Caoimhin Kelleher set to leave Anfield.
Kelleher has served as the understudy to Alisson at Liverpool this season, but the 24-year-old has been limited to just three appearances so far this campaign. Instead, first-choice Alisson has featured in every Premier League and Champions League game this term.
He still features heavily for the Republic of Ireland, but with Gavin Bazunu the first-choice at Southampton, he is at serious risk of losing his spot in the national team. That has led to Klopp preparing for Kelleher's exit in the summer window.
The Irishman is ready to leave Anfield in the search of more game time, according to the Daily Mail. As a result, Klopp has added a new goalkeeper to his shopping list for the summer, alongside improving his options in midfield.
The Reds boss wants a keeper who can compete with Alisson as Kelleher has done over the past few seasons. The young keeper is highly-rated, but Klopp is unable to provide him with the opportunities he craves.
The 24-year-old is keen to establish himself as a number one in his own right, having impressed when called upon by Klopp. He will not be short of takers, with the Reds now needing to replace him as a result.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Who should Liverpool bring in to replace Kelleher? Comment below.
Earlier this season, Klopp admitted that it would be difficult for Liverpool to hang on to Kelleher. But he insisted that the Reds needed a player of his quality to compete with Alisson.
“Caoimh is an outstanding goalie, he’s our goalie, that’s absolutely great. A club like us, with all the games we have, needs a goalie of his quality, definitely. But if we have something to talk about then I think it would make sense that we speak in between," Klopp said in November.
“It’s clear that he has the ambition to be a No. 1, but everything must be right. Being the No. 1 in the wrong club, all of a sudden you look like you’re not that good a goalie. Our style suits him very well.
"He’s really calm on the ball as well, you can involve him in the buildup play. He’s like the blonde version of Ali. He can learn – I have to say it, because it’s true – from an incredible, dedicated goalkeeper coaching staff.
“So, so many role models. Then Ali, who combines pretty much everything. This department is really exciting, what is coming up and stuff like this. And Caoimh, we don’t hold back praise or whatever, it’s not that we say ‘no, he’s not that good’.
"No, he’s really good. He is really, really good. We are really happy to have him. But again, he’s been training for four weeks, before that he was not available. He has to stay fit, definitely, then the future is bright. We all hope it’s here."
