According to journalist James Pearce, Liverpool could sell goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher and defender Nat Phillips to free up funds for use in the transfer market.
According to his report for The Athletic, the Reds will look to continue their streak of selling players for high transfer fees in order to make room for top-tier arrivals.
The Merseyside club sees this as a step toward another rebuild, with Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham at the helm.
As a result, Pearce believes Jurgen Klopp’s team has a couple of obvious candidates to move on.
Irish goalkeeper Kelleher is rumored to be on his way out. The 24-year-old is a huge talent, and Liverpool will struggle to keep him as their backup keeper next season. Kelleher wants to play regular first-team football, so a move away from Anfield is possible.
Second, Phillips is another market participant who could command a fee. The Liverpool Echo reports that the center-back is expected to leave the club this week, with a number of clubs interested in his services. He has previously stated that he hopes to be able to relocate this month.
Kelleher and Phillips may depart.
Even if the pair is sold soon, it will barely make a dent in the fee required to bring Bellingham to Anfield.
While Phillips is unlikely to leave for more than £10 million, Kelleher could command a higher fee because he is a certain starter for a number of Premier League clubs.
However, it will be a huge shame to see the Irishman depart, as he has always performed admirably when called upon in a Reds shirt.
Klopp has always been extremely complimentary of the shot-stopper, claiming he is an “outstanding” player and the “best number two” in the world.
The problem is that Alisson Becker may be the best number one in the world. With the 30-year-old on Merseyside, Kelleher’s options will always be limited.
As a result, a player of his caliber should never be used as a backup option who sits on the bench week in and week out.
As a result, while it will be difficult to see the 24-year-old depart, it is a necessary next step in his career – and one that he fully deserves.
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