One of the players widely expected to leave Liverpool this summer appears to be staying, thanks to a change of heart from Jurgen Klopp
The Merseysiders’ performances and results have dipped this season, and they are expected to finish fifth. This will prevent them from competing in the Champions League, forcing them to compete in the Europa League for the first time since Klopp’s first full season in charge. Furthermore, a lack of silverware means that the 2022/23 season will be remembered as a season to forget.
As a result, Anfield will undergo significant changes this summer as the club embarks on a major rebuild. The main focus will be on bringing in at least three new midfielders.
However, Klopp has other positions he wants to strengthen and plans to bring in a new defender. To that end, a report claims that the Reds’ manager has compiled a shortlist of four potential defensive signings.
A number of stars are expected to leave Anfield to aid in the rebuilding process. As a result, James Milner, Naby Keita, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have all completed their Anfield careers. The most emotional send-off, however, was reserved for Roberto Firmino, who has proven enormously influential in the game.
That quartet will leave as free agents, which means their departures will generate no revenue. As a result, there are expected to be more departures, with Caoimhin Kelleher, Joel Matip, and even Diogo Jota rumored to be on their way out.
Klopp is adamant that Kelleher remains with Liverpool.
Kelleher is undoubtedly one man whose departure would leave a void. Klopp adores the Irishman, who has firmly established himself as Liverpool’s No. 2 behind Alisson Becker.
And, despite playing on the outskirts, Kelleher has never let the club down when called upon.
However, because Kelleher wants to advance his career, a move away from Merseyside may be possible. And, with Liverpool valuing the star at around £20 million, he won’t be short of suitors.
Indeed, the 24-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Tottenham as the club searches for a long-term replacement for Hugo Lloris.
Furthermore, with Jorg Schmadtke set to start as sporting director next month, the sale of Kelleher was expected to be the German’s first piece of business at Anfield.
Klopp, on the other hand, has flatly denied reports that Kelleher may leave Liverpool this summer.
And he appears to have made a dramatic U-turn to derail Spurs’ hopes of a deal.
“We are looking in all departments apart from goalkeeper at the moment,” Klopp said on Friday. “I would not deny it if there is a good [center-back] out there.” That’s all there is to it. We definitely look at all aspects of the pitch.”
Klopp intends to keep Liverpool’s No. 2 player.
Klopp has now gone one step further, telling Kelleher that he will remain at Anfield, according to the Irish Examiner.
“Are you Caoimh Kelleher?” Klopp stated, “He has a contract.” “No, I don’t think he’ll leave. I have to say, it would have to be an extraordinary offer for me to even consider it.”
The news will undoubtedly be welcomed by the Anfield faithful, though it remains to be seen how Kelleher will react.
And it appears that if the player is to leave Liverpool, he may have to take matters into his own hands.
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