Liverpool could end up coming up with a creative decision for a transfer conundrum this summer.
The Reds are set to undergo some significant changes over the coming months, as Arne Slot begins his work with the club.
With Slot assessing his Liverpool squad, it looks possible that one or two players could choose to leave Anfield.
For those wanting out though, it doesn’t have to be a permanent burning of bridges. As shown by the likes of Sepp van den Berg and Tyler Morton this season, a good loan spell can enhance long-term chances at Liverpool.
And speaking exclusively to Rousing The Kop, journalist Graeme Bailey says this same pathway could soon open up for a key member of the Liverpool squad.
Caoimhin Kelleher could join Celtic on-loan
One of the biggest questions for Slot ahead of next season is what to do with his goalkeeping department.
Alisson Becker has been linked with a move away but thankfully looks set to stay with the Reds.
Meanwhile, number two Caoimhin Kelleher has made it clear that he no longer wishes to be a back-up. Kelleher looks ready to move on.
With new question marks over Alisson’s long-term future though, it could feasibly be a mistake to let Kelleher go permanently this summer. As a result, Bailey says Liverpool could park the 25-year-old on-loan for a year before bringing him back and re-evaluating.
READ MORE: Liverpool could replace Caoimhin Kelleher with title-winning goalkeeper
“There’s a lot of situations there for Kelleher,” the journalist remarks. “Celtic would be ideal for him but in terms of his wages he’d probably be out of their reach already. But I wouldn’t rule them out of the equation, I think a deal could be done there in some way.
“We’ve seen the Alisson links, I don’t see them cashing in on him at any point unless he demands a move which I don’t think is coming,” adds Bailey.
“If you’re Liverpool do you loan Kelleher out for a season, let Alisson be then ready to move. Is that the thinking? I wouldn’t rule that out of the equation. I imagine that’s in their thinking. I don’t know that, but I imagine it might be.
“The last thing they want to do is get caught needing a new number one and then Kelleher is somewhere performing outstandingly.”
Could Alisson leave Liverpool in 2025?
With all the interest supposedly surrounding Alisson from Saudi Arabia, it has brought into focus that the Brazilian will not be here forever.
Although he has a contract until 2027, it’s not too much of a stretch to see him leaving in a year’s time if the Saudis come back again.
Obviously, that will be a situation Liverpool should be hoping to avoid. Alisson is still one of the very best goalkeepers in the world and it would be a huge blow to lose him.
If there is a chance that happens though, it would be unwise to move his back-up along this summer. Kelleher really stepped up this season while Alisson was injured and showed that he could be a future number one at the club.
As Bailey says, if Alisson does then leave and Kelleher is in the wind, Liverpool could be left with some regrets.
Maybe it’s best for everyone if Caoimhin takes on a temporary position somewhere. The Reds might lose out on a £20m fee, but if he does well, that might then grow even more, too.