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Reputed journalist James Pearce has backed Liverpool's decision to reject an offer from Nottingham Forest for Caoimhín Kelleher. The second-choice keeper at Anfield was the subject to an offer from Nottingham Forest in the summer which Pearce has labeled as 'nonsensical'.
The reporter, who is known for his close links with Liverpool, has revealed that Nottingham Forest made an offer worth £7 million plus Matt Turner for Kelleher. However, Arne Slot's side swiftly rejected the proposal, with Pearce insisting that it was the right call.
Pearce also claimed that the Tricky Trees returned with an improved offer for the Northern Ireland international. However, it was nowhere close to the Reds' valuation of £25 to £30 million. Speaking on the Walk On podcast, Pearce said:
“To my knowledge, the only offers that were forthcoming [for Kelleher] were from Nottingham Forest at the end of the transfer window, and it was £7m plus Matt Turner, who Liverpool had absolutely no interest in."
Pearce added:
“Forest came back with a marginally improved offer but again, nothing close to Liverpool’s valuation, which was around the £25m-£30m mark, so I find it a bit bizarre."
The journalist concluded:
“It baffles me, really, that there wasn’t a bigger kind of battle for his signature. Why would you sell Kelleher for £7m plus a backup goalie you don’t even want? That would have been nonsensical.”
Kelleher came through the Reds' youth ranks after joining the club as a teenager in 2015 from Ringmahon Rangers. He has served the club well over the years, deputizing for Alisson Becker when needed.
The 25-year-old particularly impressed last season, with Alisson Becker out with injury for a considerable period. He made 26 appearances across competitions, keeping five clean sheets while conceding 32 goals.
Kelleher has made 47 appearances for Liverpool till date with former manager Jurgen Klopp regularly playing him in domestic cups. The Northern Irishman has made it clear that he wants to leave Anfield in search of regular playing time.
Pundit lauds Liverpool manager for bringing the most out of midfielder
Netherlands great Rafael van der Vaart has heaped praise on Liverpool manager Arne Slot for helping Ryan Gravenberch realize his true potential. The 22-year-old impressed for the Oranje as they secured a 2-2 draw against Germany in the Nations League.
Gravenberch stole the show for Ronald Koeman's side as he came up with an assist and completed 37 out of 41 passes. He also created two big chances and completed two dribbles while winning six duels.
Van der Vaart has hailed Arne Slot for helping the former Ajax midfielder improve his game. The former Real Madrid and Inter Milan star said, as quoted by Metro:
"I think we have a great midfielder. Arne Slot has brought him back to his full potential at Liverpool, and his potential is now fully revealed. Today, I thought he was the very, very, very best, certainly in the first hour."
Gravenberch had a mixed debut season at Anfield following his reported £34.2 million move from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2023. He only played 1,848 minutes of football across competitions under Jurgen Klopp as he made 21 starts and 18 appearances from the bench.
The Dutchman has looked completely revitalized since Arne Slot took over at the club in the summer. He has started all three games for the Merseyside giants this term in a double pivot alongside Alexis Mac Allister.
