Key to Arne Slot’s early success as Liverpool manager has been his ability to improve players already at the club.
The Dutchman wasn’t handed a war chest during his first transfer window on Merseyside but still made immediate improvements, with the likes of Ryan Gravenberch, Ibrahima Konate, Curtis Jones and Luis Diaz all notably developing on his watch.
However, not all have enjoyed their time under Slot. Liverpool’s stalwart left-back Andy Robertson has not only failed to improve since Jurgen Klopp’s departure, he’s declined swiftly. The Scotsman, who is only 30, has struggled to adapt this season, making individual errors at an alarming rate and generally supplying sub-par performances.
With Kostas Tsimikas not pulling up trees as his deputy, it’s possible that Liverpool explore the left-back market in the coming windows. Here are four they could target.
Who wouldn’t want to add Alphonso Davies to their list of defensive options? The Canada international has long been one of European football’s most impressive left-backs, using his exceptional speed to provide excellent defensive and offensive support.
The list of suitors for the Bayern Munich man is long. Barcelona and, in particular, Real Madrid have been touted as potential destinations for the 24-year-old, whose contract expires next summer. Davies looks increasingly unlikely to renew with the Bavarians, meaning he will have his choice of Europe’s elite come the end of the current campaign.
It would be negligent if Liverpool didn’t assess Davies as a genuine candidate to bolster their left-back department, but any pursuit could prove inconsequential as Real Madrid reportedly close in on an agreement. It wouldn’t be the first time that the Spanish giants have beaten the Reds in the transfer market.
Unlike the situation with Davies, Liverpool have long been one of the leading names linked with Fulham’s Antonee Robinson. The United States international, who was born in Milton Keynes and came through Everton’s academy, has won admirers across the division with his impressive attacking displays for the Cottagers.
In fact, Robinson saved one of his best performances of the current campaign for Anfield. The left-back was player of the match during ten-man Liverpool’s recent 2-2 draw with Fulham – a game in which Robertson was sent off for the Reds – and he provided two assists while also keeping Mohamed Salah relatively quiet.
Robinson has been a regular provider for Fulham this season with his lung-busting bursts down the flank and accurate deliveries into the penalty area. He’s no defensive slouch either, with his tenacity key in disarming the league’s top wingers.
Rayan Ait-Nouri is another attack-minded left-back who has made waves over the past few seasons. The Wolverhampton Wanderers defender has been linked with the Premier League’s top dogs following consistently high-calibre performances in a struggling side.
The 23-year-old, who has even occasionally operated as a winger, provided three goals and two assists in all competitions last season – a tally he has already bettered in 2024/25. The Old Gold defender sits among the division’s best in his position for goals, assists, shots and successful dribbles.
The Algerian also has time on his side. At just 23 – as opposed to Robinson who is 27 – he has plenty of opportunities to improve in the years to come, ironing out any kinks and continuing to hone his attacking strengths.
Speaking of full-backs with strong attacking instincts, Milos Kerkez is another of the division’s young whippersnappers. The Bournemouth left-back is just 21 years of age and has already amassed an impressive number of appearances for the Cherries since his move from AZ Alkmaar in 2023.
The Hungary international has adapted swiftly in the Premier League despite his tender age and is one of Europe’s most exciting talents. Liverpool have been linked with Kerkez previously and it seems inevitable that one of the country’s high-flyers will poach the Bournemouth left-back over the next 18 months.
Kerkez caught the eye in the Netherlands for his attacking performances and he has started to provide goals and assists to match his endeavour this season. Clean sheets haven’t always been forthcoming in a gung-ho Bournemouth team, with the youngster not the most reliable defensive option. However, he too has time firmly on his side.
