Celtic keen to buy ‘phenomenal’ 25 y/o to replace Joe Hart; he’s been tracked for years – report

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Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart announced his decision last week to retire from professional football at the end of the campaign.

The 36-year-old has won five trophies in his time at Parkhead and will be keen to go out in style amid the Bhoys’ ongoing chase for a domestic double under Brendan Rodgers.

All in, former England international Hart has made 139 appearances for the Bhoys across all competitions, keeping 59 clean sheets in the process [Transfermarkt].

Nevertheless, only 11 Scottish Premiership matches remain for the Shrewsbury-born man before his distinguished career concludes, plus any Scottish Cup action he may be involved in.

Recruitment chiefs at Celtic will soon need to focus on identifying a successor to Hart; meanwhile, Rodgers admitted that Scott Bain and Benjamin Siegrist may also leave the club this summer [Sky Sports].

Intriguingly, various outlets claimed in January that the Hoops weighed up moves for Horatiu Moldovan and Hakon Valdimarsson before they joined Atletico Madrid and Brentford, respectively.

Despite this, neither pursuit came to fruition, leaving supporters wondering who will be their new number one in 2024/25.

Celtic keen on landing Liverpool stopper Caoimhin Kelleher

According to HITC, Celtic are keen to sign Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher this summer to become their new first choice between the sticks.

The report states that the Bhoys have tracked the 25-year-old for several years; meanwhile, his current employers would be open to letting him depart, which would help to keep the Reds within their Profit and Sustainability parameters.

Jurgen Klopp’s men are also believed to be in the market to strengthen the position once the transfer window re-opens.

Per BBC Sport, former Everton man Asmir Begovic labelled Kelleher ‘phenomenal’ following his performance against Chelsea in the EFL Cup final on Sunday, where the Republic of Ireland international made nine saves as his side secured a dramatic victory at Wembley in extra-time [Sofascore].

According to Salary Sport, the Cork-born man earns around £32,000 per week on the books at Anfield, though it would remain to be seen whether he would be financially within the Hoops’ reach.

Caoimhin Kelleher would be an excellent signing for Celtic

Kelleher has served as a reliable understudy behind Alisson at Liverpool, making 37 appearances over the course of his Anfield career, yielding 13 shutouts [Transfermarkt].

However, he has never established himself as a first choice, which could make Celtic an appealing option for the Irishman to become an undisputed number one north of the border.

Of course, he would likely cost a pretty penny amid his solid displays in the Premier League, where he has recorded a save percentage of 68.4% in 2023/24 [Fotmob].

Either way, we will have to see how this one plays out, as rumours connecting the dots between Kelleher and Celtic are unlikely to subside any time soon.