Five left-backs Liverpool could sign INSTEAD of Milos Kerkez

Liverpool decision-makers are reported to have identified left-back as one area of Arne Slot’s squad for improvements this summer.

Andy Robertson, 31, hasn’t had the best of seasons with Kostas Tsimikas being frequently rotated into the lineup at his expense.

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Unlike fellow Reds’ legends Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, Robbo is showing some signs that his best - and most consistent - years are behind him.

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Tsimikas, meanwhile, has never really been on the level to take over from the senior left-back. While there are no indications that Robertson will be sold in summer, we could well see a new left-back arrive and push him for his starting place.

That, in turn, could lead to a natural succession plan emerging when the Scotland international’s contract runs out in 2026.

Tsimikas’ future IS at stake though with several reports suggesting the 28-year-old could be on the way out. Liverpool won’t require three left-backs and, being younger and holding a longer contract than Robertson - Tsimikas could actually bring in more money in the market.

Could Liverpool miss out on Kerkez?

Milos Kerkez is widely seen as the FAVOURITE to arrive.

The Bournemouth defender is well-known to sporting director Richard Hughes - who signed him for the Cherries as technical director in 2023 - and Dominik Szoboszlai - his international captain for Hungary.

But Liverpool are not the only team in the shakeup; his transfer is by no means a certainty.

Other Premier League teams such as Chelsea and Manchester United have been linked with the 21-year-old, who has Real Madrid, Napoli and Juventus also reportedly on his list of admirers.

If Liverpool end up missing out on Kerkez, there are other options however. Hughes - and Arne Slot - will have done homework on several left-back targets.

Here is a list of five Kerkez alternatives who could arrive at Anfield.

JORREL HATO - Ajax

The 19-year-old defensive prodigy set tongues wagging earlier this season when he paid a visit to Anfield to catch a game.

He was invited by former Ajax colleague Ryan Gravenberch and he will also be familiar with fellow Dutch internationals Van Dijk and Cody Gakpo.

Also capable of playing left-sided centre-back, there is an opportunity for Liverpool to use Hato initially as a left-back before being groomed as a long-term successor to Van Dijk in the middle.

PIERO HINCAPIE - Bayer Leverkusen

Maybe the most versatile name in the frame, Ecuador international Hincapie can play as an orthodox left-back, left-sided centre-back, in the middle of a back three as well as wing-back.

He has solved many problems for Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso throughout his successful tenure at the Bundesliga giants.

The 23-year-old has long been linked with Liverpool and Leverkusen are said to be ready to do business for around £50 million this summer.

Another one who wouldn’t straight-up “replace” Robertson next season, but who could add several solutions to Slot’s squad.

ANTONEE ROBINSON - Fulham

Out on his own as the best-left back in the Premier League, Robinson is reported to have his fans inside Anfield - with some even preferring him to the lesser-proven Kerkez at this stage.

Older than Kerkez at 27, his age might well be seen as somewhat of a risk but the USMNT international is most certainly a “plug and play” transfer option for the Reds.

Under contract until 2028, Robinson has provided 10 Premier League assists for the Cottagers this season. A former Everton academy graduate, he is no stranger to Merseyside either.

RAYAN AIT-NOURI - Wolves

The Algerian international plays more of a wing-back role under Vitor Pereira these days with the Wolves coach preferring three at the back.

The 23-year-old is equally at home in either half of the pitch, defending capably as well as providing four goals and seven Premier League assists this season - the most goal involvements of any defender in the top flight.

Ait-Nouri has also featured at orthodox left-back and even at left-sided centre-back for the Old Gold this season. With a contract running only until 2026, he could be seen as the most achievable this summer in terms of transfer fee.

Silky and technically capable, Ait-Nouri is probably the most aesthetically pleasing player on this list.

Lewis Hall - Newcastle

Anfield Watch revealed Liverpool’s interest in Lewis Hall earlier this season, just before the Newcastle sensation had his campaign ended due to injury.

The 20-year-old had been a mainstay for Eddie Howe’s all season long before that, adding five assists in 27 Premier League outings, and breaking into the England senior reckoning.

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Given his age - and the fact he only joined Newcastle from Chelsea on a £30m permanent deal in 2024 - Hall will probably be prohibitively expensive.

But if the Magpies miss Champions League football then their big names - Hall included - could be put up for sale.