Newcastle could sign a £35m player who Van Dijk described as 'world class'

Everything is fine inside Eddie Howeband. Newcastle United We've started 2025 strong, but there's a lot going for it off the pitch as Paul Mitchell looks to maintain Toon form for many years to come.

The new year has certainly started strong, with Newcastle dominating their Carabao Cup semi-final against Arsenal after winning the first leg – in a hostile north London area – 2-0.

But Howe is certain to cherish memories of the club's slow start to the season, which is likely to be a by-product of a frustrating summer transfer window that saw key goals missed both in defense and on the wing.

Implementing an effective transportation strategy is key. While many areas of the team need strengthening, Martin Dubravka Expected move to the Saudi Professional League Calls for a new goalkeeper with Nick Pope He missed the past six games He is still a few weeks away from returning.

Rumors abound, as Newcastle appear set to sign in January.

Newcastle's plans between the sticks

Newcastle are overloaded in goalkeeping but the arrival of Odyssias Vlachodimos has been linked to PSR and John Ruddy and Mark Gillespie are not up to par.

According to TEAMtalkNewcastle have shortlisted Burnley's James Trafford as a player who could compete with Pope over the coming years, however, there may actually be a better alternative to boost the Tyneside project.

this week, Insider Ben Jacobs transfer revealed Newcastle are also interested in signing the Liverpool goalkeeper Kevin Kelleher this year.

This comes after a report Ahead of the new year, United have a tangible interest in the Irishman, who… Worth £35 million last summer Amid interest from Chelsea.

Kelleher is in the penultimate year of his contract with Anfield and will not be extended as he searches for first place between the sticks. Newcastle have an excellent opportunity here to attack.

Why Howe should sign Caoimhin Kelleher

With Alisson Becker regularly suffering from injuries over the past few seasons, Kelleher has been an impressive player for Liverpool. Its captain, Virgil van Dijk, He even called him “World class.”

Kelleher He joined Liverpool's academy from Ringmahon Rangers In the summer of 2015 and continue to do so 60 times advantage For the first team, he won a number of titles.

He has always been a back-up, gunning for a prominent future as the club's main man. Given that Pope is just months away from his 33rd birthday and is struggling with injuries, Newcastle could have the perfect path for the 26-year-old.

This wouldn't be the first time Newcastle have benefited from the Merseyside academy star since Howe's appointment as Steve Bruce's successor, with Kelleher likely to be in a position to follow. Anthony Gordonlinear.

Gordon was a member of Liverpool's youth system before becoming He was released when he was 11 years old He re-housed with Everton, where he stayed until Newcastle He signed him for a fee of £45 million in January 2023.

talking to Everton Football Club websiteGordon said: “It was another opportunity for me to grow. But it was difficult. It affected me mentally and took a toll on my self-confidence. I had to pick myself up and get back together. When I got to Everton, I never looked back.”

He would likely say the same and more now that he has become one of Newcastle's most important players, and was crowned the club's Player of the Year for 2023/24 after… He scored 12 goals and 11 assists Across all competitions.

In terms of goalkeeping, Kelleher is still a youngster at 26, and although he has made his name at Liverpool and could be crowned Premier League champions this season after playing an important role, he could enhance his talents at St James' Park. Know that his position will not be threatened throughout his long career.

The town holds a deep love for Scouser and if Kelleher follows in his footsteps, he will find a glorious opportunity to earn a similar reputation.

Of course, if Dubravka is sold in the coming weeks, Newcastle chiefs may want to find a replacement straight away, and Liverpool may not be on board with that idea, as Kelleher's replacement, Giorgi Mamardashvili, will play for the remainder of the current season. With Valencia on loan before joining Arne Slott's side this summer.

However, Newcastle are in little danger of upending the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules, and may find that selling Dubravka opens a window through which to pursue Kelleher.

Newcastle have already proven through Gordon that they can shape Merseyside talent into something of the highest quality.

Furthermore, Howe was keen to strengthen his defense line Signed by Joe Gomez During the off-season, so there is clearly recognition of the potential quality available.

He certainly knows Kelleher's talent, but then, he also knows several suitors besides that, and is vocal about the gains that could be claimed through a crucial winter acquisition.

Save after save after save. He's a top player, this Irish goalkeeper, and with Newcastle set to continue their title challenge, that combination of skills and personality could be exactly what Howe needs.