Liverpool’s interest in Anderlecht goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen could pave the way for Caoimhin Kelleher to leave the club this summer.
According to Belgian outlet Het Laatste Nieuws, the 20-year-old’s displays have the caught the eye of the Reds.
They join Manchester United in keeping tabs on the keeper, who Burnley reportedly already tried to sign in January.
It is believed that it will take at least £9m to sign Verbruggen, should he leave Anderlecht at the end of the season.
Potential Kelleher successor?
As one of the most promising young keepers in all of Europe, it’s unlikely Verbruggen would join Liverpool as a third-choice option.
Therefore, this suggests that Kelleher – who has played back-up to Alisson Becker for years now – could be leaving Anfield this summer.
According to The Athletic, the Reds are expecting the 24-year-old to ‘attract interest’ from other clubs, as he is more than good enough to be a no.1.
Jurgen Klopp has always been extremely complimentary of the shot-stopper, having claimed he’s an ‘outstanding’ player who is the ‘best number two’ in world football.
The trouble is, Alisson may just be the best number one in world football. With the 30-year-old still on Merseyside, chances will always be limited for the Irishman.
Therefore, it could be the case that Liverpool have resigned to losing Kelleher at the end of the season.
Fans will be extremely sad to see the keeper leave, as he has become a cult-hero for his performances in domestic cup competitions over the last few seasons.
However, Verbruggen is said to be an ‘exceptional’ replacement, and it was only a matter of time until Kelleher pursued first-team options elsewhere.