The 2024/25 season is over and Newcastle United are celebrating.
Despite losing to Everton on the final day of the Premier League campaign, Newcastle United qualified for the Champions League.
Just over two months after winning the Carabao Cup in convincing fashion, Eddie Howe’s side snuck into Europe’s elite club competition in dramatic circumstances. Indeed, they finished ahead of Aston Villa in the Premier League table on goal difference, after Unai Emery’s team lost to Manchester United in controversial fashion.
Still, it doesn’t truly matter how Newcastle got there. Now, Newcastle could have a summer transfer budget of £150million and have been linked with the signing of a new goalkeeper.
One reported transfer target on that front has hinted he is now set to depart. While Newcastle are interested in signing James Trafford, Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher has also been touted as a target.
Speaking after the Reds lifted the Premier League title on Sunday, the Irishman dropped what looks like a major exit hint.
Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images
Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images
Caoimhin Kelleher drops Liverpool transfer hint amid Newcastle United interest
Newcastle have been linked with Kelleher, who will see competition for places at Anfield further increased when Valencia’s Giorgi Mamardashvili arrives.
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Earlier this month, reports from The Athletic suggested Liverpool were looking for around £30million for the 26-year-old.
Having made only 16 starts under Arne Slot this season, Kelleher admitted he was ready to move on and secure first-team football at this stage of his career.
Talking to Optus Sport, he said: “I feel like I’m a number one and good enough to play week-in, week-out. And that’s what I’m looking to do.”
How Newcastle United feel about Nick Pope amid goalkeeper links
Any goalkeeper who does arrive at Newcastle this summer would have to compete with Nick Pope for a starting berth.
Pope was brilliant for Newcastle against Everton, emerging as perhaps the only positive from the game.
Newcastle want to sign a new goalkeeper this summer but that does not necessarily mean the England international is on his way out.
Player Save percentage
Robert Sanchez 76.4%
Lukasz Fabianski 74.6%
David Raya 74.2%
Kepa 73.9%
Matz Sels 73.9%
Mark Flekken 73.4%
Jordan Pickford 73%
Alisson 72%
Nick Pope 71.7%
Arijanet Muric 70%
Premier League goalkeepers save percentage stats, data via FBREF
Indeed, Newcastle want a new goalkeeper to compete with Pope for a starting berth, rather than to instantly replace him.
For that reason, it’s hard to see why Kelleher would fancy that kind of move. If he wants guaranteed football, Newcastle might not be the best place to go.