Arne Slot is attempting to move quickly in the Summer transfer window, as Liverpool bid to strengthen their options across the field ahead of defending their Premier League title in 2025-26.
The Reds have already replaced Trent Alexander-Arnold with Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong. A deal with Bournemouth for left-back Milos Kerkez has also been progressing since the Winter window.
Milos Kerkez is going to be a fan favorite in this Liverpool team 🔥
pic.twitter.com/jpodgGJW7c— AS (fan) (@ArneSlotBall) June 4, 2025
The agreement will almost certainly end Andrew Robertson’s hold on the left-back position, but Slot could keep the experienced Scot as a reliable back-up should the Hungarian struggle to hit the ground running at Anfield. But why has Kerkez come out on top from a Liverpool perspective when identifying a first-team left-back?
Why This Summer Was Key to Replace Robertson
Robertson has been an excellent servant to Liverpool since joining the club from Hull City in the Summer of 2017. The Scot has played integral roles in the Reds teams that have won two Premier League titles and one Champions League honour.
However, his performances throughout 2024-25 saw his position become a problem area for Liverpool, and it was an area that opposing teams typically looked to target. At 31, his best days are probably behind him, and he cannot provide the same attacking stats that once made him one of the best full-backs in world football.
Milos Kerkez destroying Man City.😮💨🔥 pic.twitter.com/iyVESipNVx
— Liverpool News (@LFCVine) June 2, 2025
Defensively, his stats were also below his usual high standards, averaging just 1.42 tackles per 90 and winning around 2.21 ground duels; both of which were down when compared to 2023-24.
As Sir Alex Ferguson previously said during his all-conquering time with Manchester United, the best time to change your squad is when you’re on top. And that is exactly what Liverpool are doing with Kerkez.
Kerkez A Perfect Replacement
Kerkez is the ideal replacement for Robertson in the left-back position, and he fits the right age profile that enables Slot to rebuild his defensive line. The 21-year-old has been a revelation since joining Bournemouth in 2023 and has amassed invaluable experience during his two years on the south coast.
However, last season showed that he has all the traits to perform at the highest level.
The Hungarian played in all 38 league games for the Cherries in 2024-25, and registered an impressive seven goal involvements.
Milos Kerkez is a PERFECT fit for Liverpool 🔥 pic.twitter.com/A9CSfMy4Tv
— 𝗔𝗡𝗙𝗜𝗘𝗟𝗗 𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗚𝗘⚡︎ (@anfieldforge) June 1, 2025
A tally of five assists meant that he averaged a key moment every 668 minutes. But that number is expected to improve on teams with the world-class players that call Anfield home.
However, it wasn’t just his attacking stats that caught the eye. Kerkez improved defensively last season. The left-back averaged 1.4 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game, and conceded a low accumulation of 0.8 fouls per fixture.
Extra Freedom For Tactical Setup
One of the most notable reasons for Liverpool’s move is that Kerkez’s aggressive defensive and attacking style will enable Slot to adopt different tactical setups. This goes hand-in-hand with the signing of Frimpong. Both full-backs are able to be deployed in either defensive or more attack-minded formations.
Both incoming stars have been situated successfully in 3-4-2-1 systems during their periods at their former clubs. Therefore, Slot could use a similar approach to be implemented at Anfield in 2025-26.
Milos Kerkez – all 10 G/A for Bournemouth pic.twitter.com/psQhJOCY5l
— LFC Comps (@LFCComps) June 1, 2025
The evidence of being on the right track is further strengthened by reports that Liverpool are moving aggressively to sign Florian Wirtz, another player familiar with the 3-4-2-1 formation at Bayer Leverkusen.
The tactical change will enable the Reds to have more defensive cover in the wing-back areas, while ensuring proven quality when transitioning the ball into the attack.
However, the change may also see the Reds light in certain areas, most notably in the central defensive and number nine areas of the field.
Liverpool Need to Act Quickly
Manchester City threatened to hijack the deal, but Pep Guardiola’s side have instead opted to make their move for Wolverhampton Wanderers star Rayan Aït-Nouri. However, Liverpool could face a fresh danger if reports are to be believed.
The latest developments have seen Paris Saint-Germain threaten the offer. The Parisians have reportedly shown an interest in Bournemouth’s central defender Illia Zabarnyi. A move for the defender could see the Cherries end Liverpool’s hopes of signing Kerkez. They may be reluctant to lose another key player in the defensive third.
If Liverpool are to get their deal over the line, they may need to act quickly to avoid missing out on their top left-back target.
