As January reaches its midway point, Liverpool have yet to make any moves in the transfer market.
With the Reds sitting atop both the Premier League and Champions League standings, this lack of activity isn’t entirely surprising. The squad appears to be in good shape and is well-positioned to compete for silverware in 2025.
However, some players have shown signs of fatigue in recent weeks, most notably left-back Andy Robertson. The 30-year-old has struggled this season, prompting criticism from fans and pundits who believe it may be time for a replacement.
Reports suggest Liverpool are closing in on Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez as a potential successor to Robertson.
The 21-year-old Hungarian has enjoyed an impressive campaign, earning recognition as one of Europe’s brightest young full-backs. With Premier League experience already under his belt, Kerkez is seen by many supporters as an ideal signing for the Reds’ future.
Unfortunately, Milos Kerkez’s impressive performances have caught the attention of several of Liverpool’s rivals. Manchester United have been heavily linked with the 21-year-old as they seek a new left-back.
However, a report from The i on Wednesday claims that Kerkez has expressed a preference for a move to Anfield over both United and Manchester City. All three clubs are said to have made contact with his agent, though no formal offer has been made to Bournemouth yet.
Liverpool’s sporting director, Richard Hughes, is reportedly a key factor in Kerkez’s desire to join the Reds, as Hughes played a major role in bringing the Hungarian to Bournemouth in 2023.
Bournemouth are under no pressure to sell, and it appears that a move won’t happen in January. However, it is believed that the club will be willing to negotiate a deal around £50m in the summer.
Kerkez: A Smart Move for Liverpool
In our view, the primary obstacle to this transfer would be the price tag.
While £50m may seem steep for a left-back, many believe Kerkez would offer value at that price. His former AZ Alkmaar teammate, Mat Ryan, praised his “unique skillset,” and players with such attributes often command a higher fee.
Still, it is a significant amount of money to spend on a left-back, especially when you consider that Robertson was only acquired for around £10m in 2017. Liverpool would likely prefer a similar outlay this time around.
But given that Kerkez looks like the standout candidate and Robertson is clearly on the decline, the Hungarian could make a significant impact under Arne Slot.
There’s still a long way to go in this transfer saga, but at the moment, it seems Liverpool are in the driving seat.
