The need for Liverpool to strengthen at left-back this summer was highlighted again on Sunday as Andy Robertson put in another poor defensive showing for the Reds.
The left-back made three mistakes within seconds of each other as he gifted Fulham its second goal in the 3-2 loss at Craven Cottage. His initial crossfield pass was intercepted by Alex Iwobi in the 32nd minute, before, while attempting to remedy the error, he headed the ball into Iwobi’s path again.
The ex-Everton man then struck at goal and the ball ricocheted into the net off the Scotland captain, in perhaps the worst moment of a terrible defensive display.
“I think there are individual moments that should have been dealt with better,” said Virgil van Dijk after the game, while he bemoaned several sloppy moments from the defense at large.
But for Robertson, it’s the recurrence of a regular theme this season, in what has probably been his most disappointing since joining Liverpool in 2017. It’s why reports have so readily linked the club with a new left-back in the upcoming transfer market.
Providing an update on the club’s plans to strengthen in that area, The Athletic reported that Liverpool needs to sign a left-back in the summer, and has already identified Milos Kerkez, Antonee Robinson and Jorrel Hato as potential options.
Kerkez, 21, is seen as the most viable option in part due to his age, considering Robinson is seven years his senior. Hato, at 19, could be more of a long-term option and might see Kostas Tsimikas moved on.
(Image: 2025 Liverpool FC)
Meanwhile, the 31-year-old vowed during the March international break to fight for his place next season, even if Liverpool does sign a new left-back.
“I look back on the eight years I’ve had at Liverpool and think I’ve been the starting left-back at the club,” Robertson said while representing Scotland. “I feel a lot of pride about that. Eventually, your time comes. But I don’t think it’s my time yet. Even if we do bring someone else in, so be it. I’ll always back myself.”
As for Kerkez, the Bournemouth defender indicated last month that he is ready to represent an “elite club” and could move on this summer. “As a kid, you dream to play at the highest level, win the trophies, be on the best teams,” he said in a recent interview.
“These are the things that my agent is on. My dad is on. It is not something that they occupy me with because the season is still going, so there’s no point to talk about anything.”
