‘Absolute legend’
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Despite two consecutive draws in the Premier League, Liverpool remain strong favourites to win the title this season. Arne Slot has enjoyed a tremendous impact since replacing Jürgen Klopp with the Anfield club surpassing expectations. Liverpool hold a four-point advantage over Arsenal – plus a game in hand – with Slot’s men also the only Champions League with a perfect record. Liverpool’s attacking options are the envy of the league and they are well-stocked in midfield with Ryan Gravenberch excelling under Slot. Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahmin Konate are amongst the two best centre-backs in europe and Connor Bradley is pushing Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back.
The one area of the pitch, however, that has room for improvement and has caused concern is left-back. Andy Robertson has been outstanding since joining from Hull City for just €7 million in 2021 but his performance level has regressed this season with Kostas Tsimikas below the required level. The 30-year-old has shown signs of slowing down and Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher believes they need an upgrade to bolster their trophy ambitions. “Liverpool need to sign a full-back,” Carragher told Sky in early December. “I just think Andy Robertson, who is an absolute legend, is just hanging on in every game. I don’t think Tsimikas is quite of the standard to come in and replace him. I think if Liverpool could get a left-back in January, I think that’d put Liverpool in a really strong position to win the league.” It’s understood that Liverpool have made signing a new left-back their priority in the transfer market and we’ve analysed five targets with market values under €40m.
Five potential Andy Robertson replacements at Liverpool
Liverpool have tracked Rayan Aït-Nouri for several years and he’s been a shining light for Wolves this season. The Molineux men have struggled but Ait-Nouri has scored four goals and provided five assists across 22 games. Since joining from Angers for €11m in 2021, Ait-Nouri’s market value has soared by €17m to his current valuation of €35. Wolves would demand in excess of that valuation to sell one of their prized assets but they’ve faced financial pressures in recent years. One drawback over Ait-Nouri is that the Algerian international predominantly plays as a left wing-back and his defensive acumen has been questioned.
Milos Kerkez would be the perfect option given his age, potential and Premier League experience. The 21-year-old has been outstanding since joining Bournemouth from AZ Alkmaar with the Cherries shining under the impressive Andoni Iraola. The Hungary international is very good defensively and his athleticism down the left flank would improve Liverpool. Manchester United and Manchester City have also been linked but Kerkez preferes a move to Anfield, according to the Independent.
Antonee Robinson has arguably been the best left-back in the Premier League this season and he’s been strongly linked with Liverpool. The 27-year-old has provided nine assists in 21 Premier League games this season – only Mohamed Salah and Bukayo Saka have more. The usa international has a long-term contract with Fulham until 2028 and they will be under no financial pressure to sell. Although he’s just entering his peak years, Robinson is only three years younger than Robertson and that might deter them from pursuing the Fulham star.
Miguel Gutiérrez represents a fascinating option as he possesses a €35m release clause. Any deal for Gutiérrez is severely complicated by Real Madrid holding a buy-back option after selling him to Girona for just €4m in 2020 – you can read an in-depth feature on him here. The 23-year-old is an excellent left-back and his form has earned him a Spain call-up in recent years. Gutiérrez is Girona’s most valuable player and a fantastic option but Real Madrid hold the ace card.
Manchester United have been strongly linked with Patrick Dorgu this month but Liverpool are also eyeing a potential deal in January, according to reports in Italy. Leece are engulfed in relation battle in Serie A and would ideally keep Dorgu until the summer but any offer of around €30 m would prove tempting. While naturally a left-back, Dorgu has predominantly played as a winger this season and he’d need time to adjust to the demands of English football. So whether Dorgu would offer an immediate upgrade on Robertson is questionable but you can read a detailed analysis of the Leece star here.
