MX23RW : Saturday, March 15 21:21:39| >> :120:5444:5444:

Can Liverpool win summer transfer window race to sign Premier League defender ahead of Serie A giants?

'Priority option': Will Slot win the race for in-demand Premier League defender?
© Imago
Liverpool may have to win a battle against a Serie A side to sign one of the Premier League's most in-demand defenders in the summer transfer window.

Liverpool are reportedly expected to face competition from Serie A side Juventus for Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez in the summer transfer window.

The Reds are set to take on Newcastle United in the EFL Cup final on Sunday at Wembley, and a victory would significantly ease the pain of being eliminated from the Champions League on Tuesday by Paris Saint-Germain.

Arne Slot's side are also 15 points ahead of second-placed Arsenal in the Premier League, and look certain to win a 20th league title, matching Manchester United's record.

Despite the Merseysiders success this season, there are still concerns about players such as left-back Andrew Robertson, who has looked far from his best this campaign.

Though Slot's side have been strongly linked with Bournemouth left-back Kerkez, Sky Sports Switzerland claim that Juventus are pushing to sign the defender as a replacement for Andrea Cambiaso, who is Manchester City-bound.

Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez on December 5, 2024© Imago

Should Liverpool sign Kerkez?

Robertson came away from his side's clash against PSG with credit for his performance, but good showings at Anfield have become rarer this campaign given the 31-year-old has increasingly struggled when defending against opposition wingers.

On the other hand, Kerkez has excelled for Bournemouth this term, with the 21-year-old registering a phenomenal assist for Marcus Tavernier during his side's 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur on March 9.

The Hungarian charged down the left flank after intercepting a pass near his own penalty area before playing a whipped cross from inside Spurs' half to Tavernier.

Robertson was able to provide a similar level of intensity down the left at his best, and it is easy to see why Slot would want to sign Kerkez.

Milos Kerkez of Bournemouth during his side's Premier League match against Manchester City, on November 2, 2024© Imago

Should a new left-back be a priority?

Though Robertson has undoubtedly regressed as he has aged, there is an argument that signing a left-back should be low on Liverpool's priority list given the amount of work they could have to do in the summer.

Striker Darwin Nunez is almost certain to leave the club, while Diogo Jota's performances up front have also been questioned, and their struggles may mean Slot will need to sign a new striker.

Elsewhere, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk are all out of contract at the end of the season and would need to be replaced should the Reds fail to agree contract extensions for the trio.

Perhaps Slot will have to make do with Robertson for another season in defence, but he could risk allowing Juventus to swoop in for Kerkez.

ID:567989:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect6202:
Written by
Lewis Nolan

Click here for more stories about Milos Kerkez

Click here for more stories about Liverpool

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk during his side's Premier League match against Leicester City, on December 26, 2024
Read Next:
"Multiple factors": Van Dijk delivers update on future as season nears end
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool29217169274270
2Arsenal281510352242855
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest29166749351454
4Chelsea28147753361749
5Manchester CityMan City29146955401548
6Newcastle UnitedNewcastle2814594738947
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton29121164842647
8Aston Villa2912984145-445
9Bournemouth29128948361244
10Fulham2811984138342
11Brentford29125125045541
12Crystal Palace2810993633339
13Tottenham HotspurSpurs281041455411434
14Everton2971393236-434
15Manchester UnitedMan Utd2897123440-634
16West Ham UnitedWest Ham2997133349-1634
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2975174058-1826
18Ipswich TownIpswich2938182862-3417
19Leicester CityLeicester2845192562-3717
20Southampton2923242170-499


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!