Caoimhin Kelleher Next Club Odds: Celtic Lead Race For Ireland International
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With the summer transfer window just a few months away, betting sites are preparing their markets on a number of potential moves.
After almost a decade with Liverpool, Caoimhin Kelleher may be one of the players making a move this summer.
The Ireland international has been Alisson’s understudy for a number of years now and has made just 36 senior appearances for the Reds, which suggests it could be time for them to cash in on the 25-year-old.
A similar thing is happening on the international stage, as Kelleher is currently the understudy to Southampton shot-stopper Gavin Bazunu.
We quizzed former Ireland international Phil Babb as to whether he agreed with Jurgen Klopp that Kelleher should be Ireland's No.1: "I think so (Kelleher should be Ireland’s number one goalkeeper)." he revealed.
"I also feel that Gavin hasn’t let Stephen down really and he’s a fantastic keeper." Babb told Gambling.com exclusively.
He went on to add: "I watched his debut, and he made some incredible saves at the Aviva, but I do feel that the fact that Caoimhin has 15 appearances and he’s probably going to play in the cup final on Sunday makes him deserve that call, he’s been brilliant."
Goalkeepers typically hit their peak around the age of 30, and it is imperative for Kelleher to get playing experience at the highest level while he still has time to grow.
A number of clubs are thought to be interested in the Irish shot-stopper, but where will he be playing his football come the start of next season? Let’s delve deeper into some potential destinations.
Celtic’s Irish Links Puts Them In Pole Position
Rumours suggest that Celtic are currently leading the race to secure the signature of Kelleher, with Brendan Rodgers’ ties to Liverpool giving him the edge.
Veteran Joe Hart is currently the Bhoys No.1, but the 36-year-old has recently announced that he will retire at the end of the season.
This would leave Rodgers without a first-choice goalkeeper, as Hart’s back-up Scott Bain has made just five league appearances in the past three seasons.
This could pave the way for Kelleher, who is Evens on football betting sites, to make the move north as the opportunity to establish himself as a senior custodian presents itself.
Celtic remain in contention for the Scottish Premiership title, as they battle it out with Rangers for a spot in the Champions League.
Thus presenting an invaluable chance for the Irish goalkeeper to make an indelible mark on the biggest European stage as he looks to add to the two Champions League appearances for Liverpool.
Wolves And Bournemouth Offer Premier League Chance
Gary O’Neil’s sacking as Bournemouth boss created to widespread confusion back in June.
Now the Wolves manager, O'Neil will hope to get one over his old club by influencing Liverpool’s No.2 to join him in the west Midlands.
Wolves are the 6/4 second favourites to land Kelleher, and they could almost certainly offer him Premier League football next term.
Jose Sa is currently the Wanderers No.1, but the Portuguese international has kept just three clean sheets in 23 appearances in the league this campaign.
Kelleher is six years the junior of Sa and could be a long-term replacement, as O’Neil attempts to propel Wolves into a top-half team.
Andoni Iraola was the man tasked with taking over from O’Neil in the Vitality Stadium dugout and he has done a more than decent job so far.
Experienced goalkeeper Neto is currently between the sticks for the south coast club and odds of 5/2 suggests Kelleher could be in line to replace him soon.
At 34 years of age, Neto’s days at an elite level may be numbered and Iraola could look at the Irish international as a new No.1.
Kelleher An Option For Sheffield Utd And Brighton
While Sheffield United cannot guarantee Premier League football next season, it would provide an easier transition into first-team football for Kelleher if he was to ply his trade in the Championship.
Wes Foderingham has managed just one clean sheet this season as the Blades continue to prop up the table.
They have shipped the most goals in the league and changes may need to be made in the eyes of Chris Wilder.
This could come in the form of the Irish keeper and the Blades are 3/1 to be the next club of choice for Kelleher.
Elsewhere, Brighton are well in the race at odds of 4/1.
The Seagulls are still getting to terms with balancing life between domestic and European competitions, thus providing ample opportunity for Kelleher.
Roberto De Zerbi’s side are currently seventh in the league and have made the Europa League knockout stages, and Kelleher could be seen as what's needed to take Brighton to the next level.
Brentford, Forest Or Leicester Could Come Calling
Brentford are also on offer at 4/1 on betting apps and they could reignite their interest in Kelleher.
The Bees were in the race for the Irishman’s signature last summer before opting to shell out £11m to sign Mark Flekken instead.
Nottingham Forest (7/1) provide another option, but with Matt Turner and Odysseas Vlachodimos in their ranks, he would face stern competition.
Enzo Maresca is doing a fantastic job with Leicester.
Mads Hermansen has played all but one of the Foxes league matches this term, but Kelleher would no doubt be seen as an upgrade between the sticks.
If Maresca wants to make signings in preparation for a return to the Premier League, odds of 10/1 for them to sign Liverpool's deputy seems a good bet.
* Reminder: These are hypothetical odds provided by industry experts.
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