Celtic pulled off a masterstroke in the summer when they brought in Kasper Schmeichel to replace Joe Hart, who retired at the end of last season. Eyebrows were raised at the decision but the Danish goalkeeper has proven since then that he is still a reliable presence between the posts. That being said, he is not the long-term solution by any means.
Schmeichel is set to turn 38 this month. At best, he has a couple of years left in the tank. So, sooner or later, Celtic will need to find his replacement as well.
Hopefully this time around, they will go with someone who can be the first-team goalkeeper for the next five years or so. And one of the players they have been heavily linked with in recent times is Caoimhin Kelleher.
Kelleher is arguably the best backup goalkeeper in the world right now. But it is hard for him to get any chances, when Alisson Becker is available. There have been suggestions that he wants an Anfield exit and Parkhead would be a great place for him to establish himself as a number one while also winning trophies. The issue might be the potential transfer fee it would take to make a move happen.
Celtic learn record fee Liverpool want for Caoimhin Kelleher
As reported by Football Insider, Celtic would have to pay a Scottish record transfer fee if they want to sign Kelleher from Liverpool. The Premier League club's £25-30 million asking fee would likely be ‘too expensive’ for the Hoops.
It would be safe to say that Celtic would not shell anywhere near that for Kelleher. The £11 million transfer fee they paid to sign Arne Engels from FC Augsburg in the summer is the club record.
It remains to be seen how things play out. But do not expect Kelleher to end up in a Celtic jersey anytime soon.