Liverpool 'target' comments on summer transfer as Jürgen Klopp may have successor if star departs

Change is on the horizon for Liverpool and Jürgen Klopp this summer, and while the most notable changes are expected in the midfield and the defense, there is another key position that could see a shifting of personnel.

For years now, Liverpool has had a solid base in the goalkeeping department. In Alisson Becker, Klopp has one of the best goalkeepers in world football, and the Liverpool boss has labeled his understudy as the 'best second-choice goalkeeper in football' and the 'blonde' version of Alisson.

But naturally, like every professional athlete, Caoimhín Kelleher will not want to be remembered as a mere second choice. He will have aspirations of his own to play regularly at some stage, and that's unlikely to happen at Anfield.

At 24 years old, this summer could be the perfect time for Kelleher to depart for pastures new, and fulfill those ambitions. However, his departure will definitely leave a bit of a hole to fill for Liverpool.

It's going to be difficult for Klopp to find a goalkeeper equally as competent and capable to step into Alisson's shoes as Kelleher; not to mention equally as suited to Liverpool's style of play.

However, there is one goalkeeper who might just have what it takes. According to Fotbolltransfers, Liverpool is interested in Odds BK goalkeeper, Leopold Wahlstedt.

A Swedish international and just 23 years old, Wahlstedt is perhaps not the biggest name in world football, but his stats suggest he could be the kind of under-the-radar gem Liverpool could bring in for a bargain and replace Kelleher with.

Last season he averaged an impressive save rate percentage of 69.39 per cent, which ranked him among the top five goalkeepers in the Norwegian first tier. Only three goalkeepers kept more clean sheets than him in the league as well, which is impressive considering his side finished 33 points away from first-placed Molde.

On top of his shot-stopping qualities, Wahlstedt is very similar to Alisson and Kelleher in the way he comes off of his line and can become a bit of a sweeper-keeper. He is competent at rushing out at his opponents in one vs one situations, but also in reading the game and breaking up counter-attacks by intercepting through passes.

Last season in Norway, he averaged the second most defensive duels per 90, averaging 0.28 as per Wyscout, and he also averages an impressive 2.14 interceptions per game as well.

So far there has only been one round of games played in the Norwegian Eliteserien this season but Wahlstedt proved his phenomenal ability in that game as well. He kept a clean sheet, despite facing an xG of 2.11 and those numbers definitely put him on par with a peak Alisson performance.

In the aftermath of that game, Wahlstedt was quizzed about his future and even asked about links with Liverpool. And interestingly, he did not deny the Reds' interest.

"I have no comment on that. Maybe I can say like Morten [Rönningen, Odds BK sporting director] that I can neither confirm nor deny," Wahlstedt said as per Fotbolltransfers.

Time will tell whether he is going to be the replacement for Kelleher at Anfield this summer, but if he is, Wahlstedt could be a smart addition for Liverpool.