Liverpool £40m signing could spark transfer domino effect with two more deals possible

Liverpool £40m signing could spark transfer domino effect with two more deals possible

The ECHO's Reds writers take a closer look at Arne Slot's left-back department and what might happen now after Milos Kerkez's £40m arrival

Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas celebrate after the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Liverpool FC at Etihad Stadium on February 23, 2025 (Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images )

Having made Milos Kerkez the most expensive left-back in Liverpool history this week, a changing of the guard now appears in the offing this coming season at Anfield.

The Hungary international had been a long-standing target for the champions and after negotiations between sporting director Richard Hughes and his Bournemouth counterpart Simon Francis reached a conclusion, the Reds landed Kerkez on a five-year deal after completing his medical on Monday.

‌

What happens for those already occupying the left-back department is now the follow-up story for a squad currently going through something of a transition. Andy Robertson is wanted by Atletico Madrid, while Kostas Tsimikas has been linked with a number of Premier League clubs.

‌

Here, the ECHO's Reds writers have their say on what might come next at Anfield as competition increases on the left side of their defence.

Liverpool transfer on hold as two players face major decisions over future READ MORE:

Paul Gorst

When Andy Robertson spoke at the Football For Change charity lunch in April, he struck a defiant tone of someone who still feels he has a lot to contribute. The Scotland captain, who was in conversation with Jamie Carragher at the time, was also keen to outline his hope of a potential new contract at Anfield, such is his love of the club.

"No look, I've had eight wonderful years so far and I have a year left," Robertson said. "I am not as young as I once was but I love this club and I have had some great memories here, so let's see what the future holds.

Article continues below

"I still believe I can still produce good performances and some really good performances and I think I have done that this season, so I still think I can produce at the top level and if I can do that then that is where I belong and hopefully I can stay here for many years to come."

Even as far back as April, though, Robertson will have been aware of the interest in Kerkez and while the 31-year-old might well have hoped to extend his stay beyond what has been a trophy-laden eight years with the club, discussions since might have opened up the thinking to a more sober reality.

That is pure speculation at this stage but does Robertson, who still feels he has so much to give, see a world where he is competing neck and neck for a place in the Liverpool team next season with Kerkez? Or, alternatively, does he envision a scenario where he is very much the back-up to a player 10 years his junior for the coming campaign?

‌

In an ideal world, I would love to see Robertson stay on at Anfield. The top of the Premier League can be an unforgiving place and throwing Kerkez into the deep end might be a slight risk without the safety net of an experienced professional like Robertson, who has done it all with the Reds since 2017.

The chance to eventually give the new £40m man a soft launch into the left-back role full time, while under the learning tree of Robertson, is one that appeals and giving the Scot a famous send-off at the end of the coming campaign feels like the best way to do business.

That means Tsimikas will be free to find a new club before being wished well after five years as Robertson's deputy. A lot though may rest on what Robertson feels he is still able to offer.

‌

The prospect of blooding in someone who cost £40m might be something some scoff at but it's a luxury Liverpool are able to do for the coming season if they can convince Robertson that he still has an important part to play for the season ahead.

The player himself, though, may feel as though he needs the security of a longer-term contract that might not be forthcoming at Anfield.

‌

Theo Squires

Andy Robertson has earned the right to decide when and how his Liverpool career ends, having loyally served the club over the past eight years.

Out of contract next summer, it would not have been a surprise to see the Scotland captain see out his deal at Anfield before departing on a free transfer in 12 months' time. But now he has the offer of a move to Atletico Madrid, leaving him with plenty to ponder.

Milos Kerkez is likely to be Liverpool's new first-choice left-back regardless as he joins the club in a £40m deal from AFC Bournemouth.

‌

If Robertson is happy to serve as the Hungary international's deputy or even backs himself to still push for starting status, then great, the show goes on for another year. And who knows, with it maybe even the possibility of a short-term contract extension.

But no-one would begrudge the Scot an exit if he feels the time is right to move on in pursuit of a fresh challenge.

Let's not forget there is a World Cup at the end of the season which Scotland will hope to take part in. And having seen injury impact him at Euro 2024, Robertson will want to be at his absolute best for his country next summer.

‌

Had Liverpool lost Mohamed Salah and/or Virgil van Dijk, then it would have perhaps been more vital to retain Robertson's services this summer. But instead he has the freedom to depart on his own terms, whenever that might be.

If he chooses to move on now, so be it. Atletico Madrid is a great move for him, after all.

Regardless of Robertson's decision, the time is perhaps right for Kostas Tsimikas to also move on after five years as a back-up option.

‌

He recently insisted he was happy in his role at Anfield, but conceded there was a temptation to pursue starting opportunities elsewhere. If Liverpool receive a good offer for the Greek, they should consider cashing in.

While losing both Robertson and Tsimikas in the summer might not be ideal, it would open the door for the Reds to side a younger option like Jorrel Hato from Ajax, who could provide depth at both centre-back and left-back. The likes of Owen Beck and Luke Chambers will also be looking to stake their claim in pre-season.

If Robertson or Tsimikas are happy as back-up to Kerkez, Liverpool don't need to rock the boat. But they should not stand in either player's way if they wish to move on this summer either.

‌

Will Thomas

Andy Robertson has shown nothing short of a brilliant career, with most of that coming at Liverpool.

He has the second most assists from a left back in Premier League history, but with all great things, they must come to an end, and if he wants to move to somewhere sunny like the rumoured Atletico Madrid, then so be it. He has earned himself a move like that.

He is not getting any younger, and with Kerkez essentially at the doorstep of the AXA, the position will be taken care of if he decides to leave Merseyside.

Article continues below

Kostas Tsimikas has shown the attitude and attainment which is perfect for a Liverpool backup. He has recently said in an interview that he finds the 20-odd games for the Reds more valuable than if he were a regular starter anywhere else.

He completely gets the way that Liverpool operates, and if anything were to happen to our number one starting left back, he would be more than able to fill in the shoes.

We saw it when Robertson was out for a few weeks with a shoulder problem in 22/23, before Tsimikas had his broken collarbone.

Click here to read article