Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers will have a new goalkeeper in his sights this summer following the news that Joe Hart will retire at the end of this season.
The 36-year-old has been a distinguished servant during his spell at Parkhead, winning five trophies along the way, including two Scottish Premiership titles.
Nevertheless, Hart has admitted that he is calling time on his career to avoid tarnishing his legacy due to age-based decline.
He stated last week: “I really do feel like come gameday, I really do peak. But I’m aware that time waits for no man, and I don’t want my body to be retiring me. So that was one of the key factors, thinking that I can smash through the finishing line.”
At the time of writing, before Celtic take on Dundee later tonight, Hart has made 139 appearances for the Bhoys in all competitions, keeping 59 clean sheets in total [Transfermarkt].
While the Shrewsbury-born man searches for a fairytale ending involving further silverware, Rodgers is likely to be already evaluating candidates to replace his current number one.
Reports have suggested that Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher and Trabzonspor stopper Ugurcan Cakir are among the early contenders to fill the void Hart will leave, per reports.
Celtic’s interest in Caoimhin Kelleher as update emerges
According to The Daily Mail’s Liverpool Confidential, Celtic are believed to be ‘very keen’ to bring Republic of Ireland international Kelleher to Parkhead, which is a desire that has only grown stronger since Hart announced his decision to retire.
Despite this, the outlet claim that it is ‘very unlikely’ that the Bhoys would be able to afford the 25-year-old amid his ‘ever-rising’ transfer valuation.
Last weekend, Kelleher played a crucial role in Liverpool’s 1-0 victory over Chelsea to help Jurgen Klopp’s side get their hands on the EFL Cup, making nine saves in his 120 minutes on the field [Sofascore].
Deputising for Alisson, the Cork-born man received a glowing appraisal from his manager in the wake of his heroics at Wembley, as Klopp stated [Scottish Sun]: “We have the best goalkeeper in the world, and we have the best number two in the world.”
Caoimhin Kelleher would be a fantastic addition for Celtic
Granted, Kelleher may be out of reach due to the finances that could be involved in any potential transfer; nevertheless, he would be a fantastic solution to Hart’s impending departure.
This campaign, the Irishman has been a solid presence between the sticks for his current employers, recording a save percentage of 68.4% in the Premier League [FBRef].
Celtic are unlikely to be alone in pursuing Kelleher this summer, though major concerns remain over whether a deal will be viable due to the large outlay that will be needed to prize him away from Anfield.
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