Newcastle United deemed 'wonderful option' for Caoimhin Kelleher by former Liverpool star

 · January 22 2025, 13:30
Newcastle United deemed 'wonderful option' for Caoimhin Kelleher by former Liverpool star
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Eddie Howe is on the hunt for a new goalkeeper for Newcastle United despite having five 'keepers in the squad already.

Martin Dubravka looked certain to leave this winter but after a run of games due to a Nick Pope injury, the Slovakian has proven his worth yet again and Eddie Howe has convinced the 36-year-old to stick around until the end of the season.

Both John Ruddy and Mark Gillespie's contracts are due to expire at the end of this season and it's unlikely that both will be offered a new deal.

Meanwhile, £20 million oddity, Odysseas Vlachodimos has just rejected a move to Saudi Arabia despite clearly being unwanted by Howe.

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Caoimhin Kelleher could be a direct replacement for Nick Pope

Newcastle have been tipped to sign Burnley's James Trafford this summer

James Trafford of Burnley has been touted as the most likely 'keeper to join the Magpies in the summer in a deal worth around £20 million, but other options are being looked at, one of which is Liverpool's deputy stopper, Caoimhin Kelleher.

Kelleher, like Dubravka, has had a run in the first-team for Liverpool due to an injury to their first-choice stopper, and like Dubravka, Kelleher proved to be a more than ample deputy.

In fact, many pundits declared that Kelleher would be first-choice at almost any other club, but with Allison at Liverpool, he's reduced to being second-choice.

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We'd love to see Kelleher at Newcastle next season

With Giorgi Mamardashvili joining the Reds in the summer, Kelleher could see himself dropped down to third choice and as such is likely to leave Anfield in search of first-team football.

Former Liverpool star Danny Murphy (via Newcastle World) believes that he can get a good move this summer with Chelsea or Newcastle as ideal destinations.

“I think next season at Liverpool we will have Alisson starting and Giorgi Mamardashvili on the bench with Caoimhin Kelleher leaving," Murphy said. “My understanding is that Kelleher will leave and there won't be short of takers, he is an outstanding goalkeeper and deserves the chance to go and be a number one.

“I think he will get a really good move and Alisson will have a season in front of Mamardashvili to help him learn and get settled.

“Where could Kelleher go? Well, I think Chelsea's an obvious one, although I think Robert Sanchez is improving hugely. I think he gets some unfair criticism for a few mistakes here in the season. I think he's actually a really good goalkeeper.

“He just gets a bit nervous at times with the ball at his feet. But Chelsea's an obvious one and I think probably Newcastle, if they’re thinking of evolving as a club and becoming more competitive.

“Nick Pope has been a great keeper over the years but having more injuries at the minute and he’s not the best with his feet. He'll admit that himself. I think for Kelleher, Newcastle or Chelsea are two wonderful options for him.”

Kelleher certainly wouldn't be a bad option. In fact, he'd probably instantly take over the Number 1 spot for us over Nick Pope.

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