Liverpool’s Left-Back Dilemma: Who Will Replace Robertson Long-Term? | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Left-Back Pursuit: Options for the Summer Transfer Window

With Liverpool’s defensive depth being tested in the second half of the season, the club is expected to address the left-back position during the upcoming summer transfer window. While Andy Robertson continues to perform at a high level, his advancing age and the lack of a long-term replacement in Kostas Tsimikas have left Liverpool pondering their options for the future. According to Lewis Steele in the Mail, a left-back signing this summer feels almost certain, and several intriguing names are already on the radar.

Leading Candidate: Milos Kerkez

One player who appears to be at the forefront of Liverpool’s left-back search is Milos Kerkez. The 21-year-old Hungarian, currently plying his trade at Bournemouth, has impressed with his performances in the Premier League. Richard Henczi, the former agent of Kerkez, who remains close to the player, stated that Liverpool’s interest in the full-back is “really advanced.” Kerkez’s performances have not gone unnoticed, with no full-back in the Premier League having played more minutes than him this season. His energy is one of his standout qualities, ranking in the top 10 for total distance covered (173.1 miles) and total sprints (616). Moreover, Kerkez’s statistics in terms of overlapping runs (237) and passes into the final third also place him among the top performers in the division.

Photo: IMAGO

Kerkez’s profile aligns well with Liverpool’s demands, and his energetic style of play could provide the ideal replacement for Robertson in the long term. However, with Bournemouth holding out for around £40-45million, a deal will not be cheap. Moreover, Kerkez’s potential move may be influenced by the relationship between Liverpool’s sporting director, Richard Hughes, and the player’s new agent, Fali Ramidani. This connection could give Liverpool an advantage over other suitors, though the transfer battle remains open.

Other Potential Targets: Hato, Cardona, and Hall

Aside from Kerkez, Jorrel Hato, a 19-year-old at Ajax, has caught the attention of Liverpool scouts. According to the original Mail report, Hato has made 65 appearances in the Eredivisie and is regarded as a promising talent. His profile differs from Kerkez in that he is more intricate in his play, as opposed to the more direct, sprint-based style of the Hungarian. However, his presence in Liverpool’s thinking shows the range of talent the club is considering. Sergi Cardona at Villarreal is another name reportedly on Liverpool’s radar. The left-back, who joined from Las Palmas on a free transfer, has been monitored for the last 18 months, according to the Mail.

Photo by IMAGO

Another name in the mix is Lewis Hall from Newcastle, though his inconsistency in the Premier League has raised some doubts among fans. Rayan Ait-Nouri and Antonee Robinson have also been linked, but both face concerns: Ait-Nouri’s inconsistency and Robinson’s age, as he turns 27 soon, which might be seen as too old for a long-term investment.

Other Reports: Fabian Parisi and Junnosuke Suzuki

Interestingly, data-driven scouting is also influencing Liverpool’s decisions. Reports from PLAIER, a company providing scouting data to several elite clubs, have recommended two intriguing, out-of-the-box names: Fabiano Parisi of Fiorentina and Junnosuke Suzuki from Japan’s J-League. These lesser-known options may provide valuable alternatives as Liverpool assess their targets. With a data-driven approach now central to modern recruitment, these names may provide surprising solutions to a well-known problem.

Photo: IMAGO

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

We are understandably excited by the prospect of fresh talent arriving to challenge for the left-back position. Andy Robertson’s consistent excellence remains undeniable, but there is no denying that his age is beginning to catch up with him, and Kostas Tsimikas has not proven to be a long-term solution. Milos Kerkez looks like an exciting prospect who could offer the intensity and attacking threat needed to complement the current squad. His numbers in the Premier League suggest a player ready for the big stage, and the relationship between Hughes and Kerkez’s camp could give Liverpool the edge in securing his signature.

However, it’s worth remembering that left-back recruitment cannot be rushed. While the names of Hato, Cardona, and Hall are intriguing, we must ensure that the long-term solution is not a gamble, particularly in such a critical position. The success of this recruitment window could define Liverpool’s approach for years to come. We trust Arne Slot and his team to make the right call, though, as Liverpool fans, we can only hope that whoever is chosen will continue to uphold the legacy of one of the best left-backs in the Premier League, Andy Robertson.