West Ham in ‘sell-to-buy’ situation over potential Liverpool deal for Kelleher
Caoimhin Kelleher’s chances of joining West Ham have been dealt a blow.
The Hammers have been linked with a £20million move for the Liverpool goalkeeper, who is expected to seek an Anfield exit.
The 26-year-old is behind Alisson in the pecking order and the arrival of Giorgi Mamardashvili should see him relegated to third-choice on Merseyside.
Graham Potter‘s side could have taken advantage of this development but a new update has poured cold water on their pursuit and may leave the likes of Leeds United and Newcastle in the lead for his signature.
West Ham have to sell to buy for Kelleher
There is a huge overhaul expected at the London Stadium as Potter reshapes his squad after a miserable end to the season.
A key position in that rebuild is between the sticks, with question marks over the future of Lukasz Fabianski and Alphonse Areola.
However, the Standard journalist Dom Smith has revealed that the Hammers may struggle to raise the funds to purchase Kelleher.
Speaking to Liverpool News, he said: “West Ham are considering their goalkeeping options due to the fact 40-year-old Fabianski’s future is not certain.”
When asked how much they would be willing to pay for Kelleher, Smith added: “This remains to be seen, but West Ham will be strapped for cash this summer and are effectively in a sell-to-buy situation.”
Kelleher would be a brilliant signing for West Ham
The Hammers should do everything that they can to sign the Irishman this summer as doubts continue over their two options at the moment.
As Smith states, the Polish star is too old to be starting regularly and the Frenchman has not proved that he is the standard that the Irons need to reach the upper echelons of the Premier League.
| Stats (Premier League) | Kelleher |
| Matches | 10 |
| Clean sheets | 4 |
| Save percentage | 69.2% |
| Minutes played | 900 |
Kelleher has emerged as a realistic option for Potter, he is in the prime years of his career, he brings significant trophy-winning experience and is being wasted on the bench under Arne Slot after starting just 10 times in the league this season.
He deserves a chance to be a regular starter in the top-flight after years of showcasing his abilities in brief cameos for the Reds, mostly in cup competitions, such as three Carabao Cup finals.
The Ireland international is ready to step out of the Brazilian’s shadow and could prove to be a bargain for the East London club if they can raise the funds that they need to purchase him before someone else moves in.