Hendrick: Kerkez and Baleba In January Will Supercharge Liverpool’s Title Chase | OneFootball

Liverpool’s January Transfer Strategy: Kerkez and Baleba in Focus

Liverpool are flying high under Arne Slot this season, sitting atop the Premier League table, five points clear of Manchester City. The Reds’ campaign has been marked by defensive resilience and consistent scoring, prompting whispers of potential reinforcements in the January transfer window. On The Daily Red Podcast, Dave Hendrick provided detailed insights into the club’s potential moves, focusing on Milos Kerkez and Carlos Baleba.

Kerkez: The Ideal Addition to Liverpool’s Left Side

Milos Kerkez, Bournemouth’s left-back, has been a name buzzing around Anfield circles. Hendrick commented: “Kerkez fits the age profile and is already Premier League-ready.” He highlighted the player’s defensive stability and attacking flair, which could complement Liverpool’s dynamic system.

Kerkez has experience at various clubs and an international connection with Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai. Hendrick believes this familiarity could ease Kerkez’s adaptation: “Having Szoboszlai here makes life easier for him. He’ll have no cultural shocks.” Slot’s meritocracy-driven approach could ensure that Kerkez, just 21, would get his chances to shine.

Addressing the club’s long-term planning, Hendrick noted, “Kerkez isn’t coming in expecting to start every game. He understands Robertson’s legacy but will push him for the role.”

Baleba: Strengthening the Midfield Core

The midfield has been a key focus for Liverpool after significant turnover in recent years. Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, a rising star, could be the solution. Hendrick described Baleba as “absolutely outstanding,” adding, “He offers everything—passing, ball-carrying, and strong defensive work.”

Baleba’s physicality and versatility stood out in Hendrick’s analysis. “He can play in a two or three-man midfield, which is perfect for our tactical flexibility,” he said. Moreover, the 19-year-old’s youth fits Liverpool’s strategy of building a sustainable squad. Hendrick praised the player’s temperament, stating, “By all accounts, Baleba is a gem—a great human being and a phenomenal talent.”

Why January Matters for Liverpool

Hendrick emphasised Liverpool’s need for a proactive January. Despite the team’s current success, he highlighted areas for improvement: “We need a left-back and a holding midfielder to maintain this momentum.” While competition for Baleba and Kerkez might be stiff, Hendrick argued that Liverpool’s relationships with Brighton and Bournemouth could smooth potential deals.

Slot’s philosophy of rewarding form over reputation has already borne fruit this season. Hendrick stressed that integrating talents like Kerkez and Baleba would strengthen Liverpool’s title push and long-term stability: “These are players for now and the future. They fit how we want to play.”