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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.

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Written by
Lewis Nolan

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