Liverpool could lose a 'world class' star to Tottenham in a dreadful Sterling repeat

Arnie slot It was organized LiverpoolA team talented into something capable of titles. Tottenham Hotspur They were put to the sword in north London on Sunday, and now the Reds are in the driving seat as Christmas approaches.

Liverpool's rise this season may have reflected a shift in managerial mood. Jurgen Klopp He was larger than life, infectious in his demeanor and booming laugh. Slot, on the contrary, is all business.

Anfield have committed to this transformation, as if the figure in the dugout consumed the club and made subtle changes that brought profits and more.

Oh, but of course there's that nurturant cloud. Three clouds, to be more precise. Trent Alexander Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah We are just over a week away from being able to discuss pre-contracts with clubs abroad.

Potential Liverpool transfer exits

It is a worrying situation. All three stars have played for Spurs and have been exceptional all year. All three can leave on a free, and although reports have played down any rebellious mentalities, the Redmen would be within their rights to entertain suitors in January.

but, According to David Orenstein of The AthleticVan Dijk (33 years old) and Salah (32 years old) have received proposals and the talks are progressing positively, albeit at a slow pace.

Alexander-Arnold's future is more uncertain with Real Madrid Have a vested interest Liverpool's strong right-back. At 26 years old, Scouser is entering his prime and putting his incredible skill aspects together to a new degree.

If the vice-captain leaves on a Bosman ride in 2025, Liverpool's adoring fan base will no doubt be angry, dismayed and depressed. But Los Blancos are strong and rejecting them would be a painful decision for any top-flight player around the world.

Aside from Liverpool's uncommitted stars, there could be more exit activity at the end of the season. Liverpool need to make some signings but FSG have already resigned themselves to losing another key Liverpool member Kevin Kelleher.

Your changes have been saved

Move focus

Big money deals, controversial moves and big name flops. This is the home of Football FanCast transfer news and opinions.

Kevin Kelleher's future with Liverpool

Last week, retired goalkeeper Paul Robinson It was revealed to Football Insider Tottenham could look to sign Kelleher at the end of the season, with Fraser Forster's recent woes providing a definitive commentary on the 36-year-old's Premier League future.

Kelleher has risen to fame as a capable replacement for Alisson Becker over the past few years, but he is playing in the penultimate year of his contract and will not sign a new contract due to his status as a secondary player.

To further aggravate his situation, in August, Reds sporting director Richard Hughes signed Giorgio Mamardashvili. In a deal that rises to 29 million pounds sterlingThe Euro 2024 sensation is set to arrive from Valencia next summer.

In fairness, Kelleher has earned his roses, covering for the injury-prone Alisson on a regular basis and proving to be an indispensable part of Liverpool's squad.

But allowing the 26-year-old to further enhance his qualities with a top-flight rival could be detrimental for the Reds, even if FSG… He is looking to demand around £35 million For their local feel.

Why shouldn't Liverpool sell him to a competitor?

Kelleher has been tremendous in recent years, making 61 appearances for Liverpool in total, lifting two Carabao Cup titles and performing with a high quality and multi-layered quality. Van Dijk went further He also described the Irishman as “world class”.

With Alisson missing separate parts of the current season, Kelleher has missed out He tallied 13 walks In all competitions, his saving rate reached 71%, which is slightly less than his Brazilian counterpart (72%). According to FBref.

Of course, the real talk about the goalkeeper's skills comes from his consistency and ability to perform on the biggest stages, as he was impressive as injury-plagued Liverpool kept Chelsea at bay in the Carabao Cup Final last season.

Van Dijk's claim to be one of the best players around the world may seem somewhat exaggerated, but Kelleher has proven over several seasons that he is good enough to start for one of Europe's biggest teams.

Liverpool have been very meticulous in the transfer market, but there have been times when players have been sold before their time and have gone on to forge successful Premier League careers elsewhere.

Dominic Solanke, who scored against Liverpool on Sunday, would be one of those, but Raheem Sterling is perhaps a more nuanced case, as the England international wanted to leave in 2015 and got his wish when Pep was Manchester City before that. He paid £49m for the stunning winger's services.

It was a tough exit, but Sterling will not look back with regret after his exit from Anfield, where he went on to win a host of silverware with the Citizens. Of course, he's not in good shape now.

Sterling was just 21 when he left Merseyside for pastures new, but in goalkeeping terms, Kelleher is also only at the end of his prime years and has yet to reach the pinnacle of his career.

This certainly serves as a cautionary tale for a Liverpool side who could make good use of Kelleher's qualities over the coming years. Alisson may be the best goalkeeper in the world, but his fitness levels are a problem.

This is of course a major factor behind the signing of Mamardashvili, but you can't help but feel that Kelleher might be a little upset after such impressive exploits in recent years. He has every right to want first-choice football, but it's a shame it probably won't be at Liverpool.

After all, Alisson missed a lot of football during his distinguished career at Liverpool.

FSG are usually wise and clever when it comes to the transfer market, but you can't object to the careless tones in Liverpool's signing predicament.

The goalkeeping department presents a different problem: with Mamardashvili due to rival Alisson in 2025, Slot's squad will be stocked for a long time.

But can Kelleher stay put? last season, And pronounced Klopp As “the best number two in the world”. With Alisson routinely taking fitness knocks, he could certainly have kept going and continued to build himself up.

Alternatively, it could be a Premier League contender such as Tottenham who reap the rewards of Kelleher's efforts in the coming years.

Related to

Slot now features Liverpool star playing like 'old Firmino'

Liverpool beat Tottenham Hotspur 6-3 in a very exciting match.