The £40m left-back Liverpool should have signed

In the summer, Liverpool made bold calls on their full-back choices for the season.

While Trent Alexander-Arnold's departure couldn't be avoided, Kostas Tsimikas was loaned out rather than being permanently moved on, and Andy Robertson was kept with the squad, even though he's set to leave on a free transfer at the end of the campaign - it was a particularly bold call.

In place of the Greek Scouser and the fan-proclaimed traitor came Milos Kerkez at left-back and hybrid star Jeremie Frimpong, who would be converted from a wing-back to a traditional full-back.

Since Conor Bradley had already been introduced to the set-up, it didn't feel like Liverpool had made too many changes, although the Reds have often been caught struggling in the wide defensive areas.

Given how likely it is that Robertson won't be with us next season, it's plausible that the club didn't make enough changes, especially when you look at how impressive some of the potential targets are.

Two new left-backs at Liverpool?

Over at Eintracht Frankfurt, 22-year-old Nathaniel Brown is shining. The German full-back is now into his second season playing in the Bundesliga and he's started this season just as he ended the last.

Across 45 appearances, he's registered four goals and eight assists from left-back. With hindsight, the £40m that Liverpool spent on signing Kerkez could well have gone on securing Brown instead.

Of course, it would have been difficult to reach such a judgement in the summer, knowing how good the Hungarian was last season, earning a place in most people's Premier League team of the season.

But the two players have started the new campaign in polarising fashion. Brown has gone from strength to strength, while it's clear that Kerkez has regressed, or isn't being utilised properly.

Right now, the German is tied down at Frankfurt until 2030, although that hasn't stopped Arsenal and Manchester City being linked with a potential transfer - except he's now valued at a whopping £52m.

Of course, Liverpool will be just as hard-pushed to get a deal across the line for him as their rivals, although Robertson's contract means a move for Brown isn't off the table, despite Kerkez's move.

In his last outing, Brown delivered a masterclass across 120 minutes, making two key passes, four accurate long-balls, two successful dribbles, eight tackles, 12 recoveries and 17 ground duels. His defensive efforts were absolutely insane, and yet he still found time to be influential in attack.

Performances of that nature are only going to increase his value over the season, but Liverpool should consider an approach for him very carefully. Robertson will not be an easy player to replace.

🔴 Shop the LFC 2025/26 adidas home range

👉🏻 Liverpool have a NEW right-back and he's the best in the world

👉🏻 Marc Guehi is COMING: Liverpool will agree deal to sign England star

👉🏻 Liverpool legend's son is now an elite centre-back