Andy Robertson has long been a key figure in Liverpool’s defense. However, this season, the Scotland international has come under increasing scrutiny. Despite being one of the most consistent performers during Jurgen Klopp’s tenure, Robertson’s performances have shown signs of decline since the departure of the German manager. With the arrival of Arne Slot, who has been successful in getting the best out of many of Liverpool’s players, Robertson’s struggles have become more apparent. The 30-year-old has faced challenges adapting to the demands of the new manager’s tactics, making individual errors and failing to deliver the level of performance expected from him.
As the team seeks to rebuild under Slot, Robertson’s future at Liverpool could be in doubt. While Kostas Tsimikas has served as a backup, he hasn’t impressed enough to push for a starting spot consistently. Given the uncertainty surrounding Robertson’s form and the lack of reliable depth behind him, Liverpool may be tempted to explore the transfer market for a new left-back. In this article, we will take a closer look at four potential replacements for Robertson, ranking them based on their attributes, style of play, and suitability for Liverpool’s current needs.
4. Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich)
Alphonso Davies is widely regarded as one of the best left-backs in world football. The Canadian international has been a key player for Bayern Munich since joining the club in 2019. Known for his blistering pace and ability to make dangerous runs both in attack and defense, Davies has caught the eye of top clubs across Europe. His talent and potential have made him one of the most coveted full-backs in the world, and with just one year left on his contract, there is a strong chance that he will move in the near future.
At just 24 years old, Davies is still in the prime of his career, and his ability to contribute offensively makes him an attractive option for Liverpool. His speed would provide a different dimension to Liverpool’s attack, allowing them to exploit space on the counter-attack, a key feature of Klopp’s style, even under Slot’s leadership. Defensively, Davies has been a solid presence for Bayern, offering both positional awareness and physicality to deal with opposition wingers.
However, there are several factors that make a move for Davies complicated. The list of suitors for the Bayern full-back is long, with Real Madrid and Barcelona being the most frequently mentioned. Reports suggest that Davies may prefer a move to Spain, which would make it more difficult for Liverpool to secure his signature. The competition for his services is intense, and Liverpool may be forced to move quickly if they are to have any chance of landing the Canadian star. Moreover, with Bayern Munich’s strong position in the transfer market, they may look to negotiate a hefty transfer fee, making this a difficult deal for Liverpool to complete.
Despite these challenges, it would be remiss of Liverpool not to consider Davies as a potential replacement for Robertson. His pace and attacking ability would make him an excellent fit for Liverpool’s system, and his availability on a free transfer next summer makes him a prime candidate to watch in the coming months.
3. Antonee Robinson (Fulham)
Antonee Robinson has been one of the standout performers for Fulham in recent seasons. The American international, who made the switch from Everton’s academy to Fulham, has become known for his high-energy performances and attacking contributions down the left flank. His impressive form in the Premier League has earned him widespread recognition, and his performances have made him one of the top left-backs in the division.
One of Robinson’s standout performances came earlier this season in a 2-2 draw with Liverpool, where he was named the man of the match. Despite Fulham being reduced to ten men, Robinson put in a brilliant display, providing two assists and making crucial defensive interventions. His ability to get up and down the flank at pace, coupled with his precise crossing and deliveries into the box, makes him a constant threat on the left side.
Defensively, Robinson has proven himself capable of handling some of the Premier League’s best wingers, combining tenacity with excellent positioning. He is known for his physicality and work rate, which allows him to recover quickly in defensive situations.
Given Liverpool’s long-standing interest in Robinson, he could be a strong candidate to replace Robertson. At 27 years old, Robinson has entered his prime and could provide a reliable option at left-back for the Reds. While he may not possess the same world-class pedigree as some of the other names on this list, Robinson has shown he has the quality to perform at the highest level. His adaptability and experience in the Premier League would make him a solid addition to Liverpool’s squad.
The major obstacle in pursuing Robinson is Fulham’s reluctance to part with their star player. While a move to a top-six club might be an attractive proposition for the American, Fulham could make it difficult for Liverpool to secure his services without paying a premium.
2. Rayan Ait-Nouri (Wolves)
Rayan Ait-Nouri has emerged as one of the most exciting left-backs in the Premier League in recent years. The 23-year-old, who joined Wolverhampton Wanderers from Angers in 2020, has impressed with his attacking runs, creativity, and ability to contribute both defensively and offensively. His performances have not gone unnoticed, and he has been linked with a move to a bigger club in the near future.
Ait-Nouri’s attacking contributions have been one of the highlights of his game. He is a dynamic and forward-thinking left-back who has a natural ability to drive forward and link up with his teammates in the final third. Last season, he contributed three goals and two assists, and this season he has already surpassed those numbers, showcasing his growing influence on the pitch.
At just 23 years old, Ait-Nouri still has plenty of room to develop and improve his game. His youthful energy, combined with his technical ability, makes him an attractive option for clubs looking to strengthen their left-back position for the long term. Defensively, Ait-Nouri is capable, but his focus remains largely on his attacking output. If he were to join Liverpool, his defensive work would need to improve to match the high standards set by Klopp and now Slot.
The major advantage of Ait-Nouri is his age and potential. At just 23, he is already performing at a high level in the Premier League, and his best years are still ahead of him. His versatility and attacking output would be valuable assets to Liverpool’s squad, and with Wolves likely to face challenges in keeping hold of their star players, Ait-Nouri could be a realistic target for the Reds in the near future.
1. Milos Kerkez (Bournemouth)
Milos Kerkez has been one of the Premier League’s most exciting young left-backs since joining Bournemouth from AZ Alkmaar in 2023. At just 21 years old, the Hungarian international has already made a significant impact in the top flight, and his rapid development makes him an intriguing option for top clubs, including Liverpool.
Kerkez’s attacking instincts have quickly become one of his most noticeable attributes. The young full-back is known for his high-energy runs down the left side, contributing both goals and assists. This season, he has already improved on his tally from the previous campaign, showcasing his growing confidence and quality in the final third. Kerkez’s pace and technical ability allow him to deliver dangerous crosses and cut inside to create scoring opportunities.
Defensively, Kerkez still has areas to improve. While he is solid in one-on-one situations, his positioning and decision-making can sometimes be erratic, which is to be expected given his age. However, with time and experience, he has the potential to develop into a more complete left-back.
At 21, Kerkez is an exciting prospect who could become a fixture in Liverpool’s defense for years to come. His attacking quality and youthful energy make him an ideal fit for Slot’s tactics, and his potential for growth means he could be a player who improves significantly over time. With clubs beginning to take notice of his talents, Kerkez could be a smart long-term investment for Liverpool.
With Andy Robertson’s recent struggles at Liverpool, the club could be forced to consider replacements in the near future. While players like Alphonso Davies, Antonee Robinson, Rayan Ait-Nouri, and Milos Kerkez all offer different strengths, each of them represents an intriguing option for Liverpool to strengthen their left-back position. As the Reds look to the future, the search for a new left-back could be one of the most important transfers they make in the coming windows.
