Liverpool is facing a quick turnaround before the FA Cup clash against Southampton on Wednesday, which puts even more pressure on Jürgen Klopp's depleted squad. The Reds last played on Sunday, as they secured a record tenth League Cup final victory, beating Chelsea at Wembley.
Despite being without a number of key players — such as Mohamed Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Darwin Núñez — Liverpool dragged itself to victory following strong stand-in performances from young prospects Bobby Clark, James McConnell and Jayden Danns. Klopp called upon the youth within the Liverpool squad in search of fresh legs, which eventually led to an extra-time winner from captain Virgil van Dijk.
While the team was able to somehow propel itself to victory in the capital, performances such as this won't always be possible with the current injury problems sweeping the squad. If Liverpool is to continue to compete for trophies consistently, further investment may be needed throughout the upcoming summer transfer window, when a new manager may in any case be keen to make his own impression on the squad.
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With that in mind, the transfer rumor mill is grinding into gear, even as Klopp looks to add a further three trophies to his collection before his time at Anfield is up. Here is the Liverpool.com verdict on the transfer gossip to emerge around the Reds today, including a possible shock exit and a new addition.
Caoimhín Kelleher (Liverpool to Celtic)
With first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker currently sidelined due to a muscle injury, Caoimhín Kelleher is in line for an extended run in the starting line-up at Liverpool. The Republic of Ireland international has started the last four games for the Reds, with the 1-0 win against Chelsea his first clean sheet across this time.
The spell in the first team — which he has previously taken well when given the chance — will spark the interest of clubs across world football, who are considering the possibility of giving Kelleher the opportunity to become the number one. According to HITC, Scottish side Celtic is one of the first teams to consider this option, after being informed that current goalkeeper Joe Hart will be retiring at the end of the season.
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NikeLiverpool.com says: Kelleher is an important member of the Liverpool squad, and any transfer news would come as a particular surprise after his heroics at the weekend. But he can't remain as a number two for the entirety of his career if he wants to progress.
A move in the summer could be wise for all parties. The role he is currently playing possibly benefits Liverpool, as the team looks to secure a greater transfer fee for the player.
Alan Varela (Porto to Liverpool)
Liverpool is being linked with a move for Porto midfielder Alan Varela, according to Portuguese outlet O Jogo. The Reds invested heavily in the midfield area last summer but may still require additional bodies within the center of the park, with recent injuries to Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones something of a reminder.
The holding midfield role is arguably the final piece to the Liverpool midfield, which Varela would fit perfectly. The club currently only has Wataru Endō available as a natural in the position and will need to recruit reinforcements for the Japanese international, who was forced to play all 120 minutes versus Chelsea last weekend.
The club had previously tracked players such as Roméo Lavia and Moisés Caicedo in big-money deals but were unsuccessful in these efforts. Varela reportedly has a release clause of $76m (£60m/€70m) which is within the levels the Reds were willing to pay for the previously mentioned players.
Liverpool.com says: There are clear strains within the Liverpool line-up, with Endō's increased role causing him to leave the game on crutches on Sunday. To avoid further injury, Liverpool will need to invest in the area which could open the door for Varela to join the club this summer.