Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher should be a prime transfer target for West Ham United in the January transfer window.
The 25-year-old is currently filling in for the injured Alisson Becker at Liverpool, and West Ham should be keeping a very close eye on him indeed.
Alphonse Areola has been appalling for the Hammers this season, and Julen Lopetegui needs to make a big upgrade on him in my opinion.
The French stopper has received huge criticism this season, including some derogatory remarks from club legend Tony Cottee.
Areola is a very good shot-stopper, there’s no doubt about that.
In 31 Premier League games for West Ham last season, Areola made 138 saves, 11 punches, 20 high claims, four catches, four sweeper clearances and saved two penalties (Premier League’s official website).
However, to succeed in the modern game, especially in a team that likes to play out from the back, a goalkeeper needs to be so much more than just a good shot-stopper.
The problem is, there aren’t many top-class goalkeepers who are better than Areola out there who are available to come into the London Stadium in January.
That said, I do think that Liverpool’s Kelleher is someone we should be pursuing.
West Ham must break bank to sign Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher
The Irish stopper has really impressed when covering for Alisson.
It seems like Kelleher is way too good to be a number two goalkeeper, it really does.
And West Ham should play on that. When speaking to The Times, the Liverpool goalkeeper admitted that he knows he will always be number two at Anfield, as long as Alisson is there.
He said, “I spoke with the manager about the situation, but it was never going to change because the fact is that I am up against Alisson and he’s one of the best in the world. So he’s always going to be No 1 and he’s always going to play.“
The Hammers really have to give Kelleher and Liverpool a decision to make here.
He would be a huge upgrade on Areola, and if we make a bid for him in January, it would surely give the Reds and the Ireland international something to consider at the very least.
Kelleher commands his penalty area with incredible authority, and is exceptional at claiming crosses into his box.
He communicates with his defenders at all times, is supremely confident with the ball at his feet, and is very good at making match-winning saves as well.
According to The Times, Liverpool would consider selling Caoimhin Kelleher for in excess of £20 million, and West Ham unquestionably have to test their resolve this winter.
If Lopetegui really wants to take the Hammers to the next level, replacing Areola with Kelleher should be an absolute no-brainer for him.
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