Liverpool have been the team to beat throughout 2024/25, as seen by the progress made under Arne Slot since he took the reins during the summer last year.
The Dutchman has led the Reds to their second Premier League title, but has already wasted little time in targeting reinforcements ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
After such a dominant year that saw the club win the title by 10 points, you wouldn’t expect a whole host of changes, but it appears as though Slot desperately wants new additions to inject further quality into the side.
Countless players have been touted with a summer switch to Anfield, but as of yet, no deals have reached their conclusion with the window not yet open.
However, work is being done behind the scenes over the last couple of days, with rapid progress being made on numerous deals in the full-back areas, as well as Florian Wirtz.
The latest on Liverpool’s hunt for new full-backs
With Trent Alexander-Arnold departing Liverpool this summer, Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong has been the main target to fill the void, agreeing a £29.5m deal for his services.
The Dutchman has travelled to Merseyside over the last couple of days to complete the formalities of his switch to England, potentially being the club’s first signing of the summer.
He’s not the only player who’s edging closer to a move to Anfield, with Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez still on their radar ahead of the summer, according to Fabrizio Romano.
He claims that the hierarchy are still “working on” a deal to land the Hungarian international, who’s registered two goals and five assists in the Premier League this campaign.
It’s been reported that the Cherries are demanding £45m for his signature during the off-season, with the defender open to a switch to join Slot’s men – following in the footsteps of one player currently on the books.
Why Kerkez could repeat Liverpool's Mac Allister success
Alexis Mac Allister has played a key role in the success endured by Liverpool over the last few months, cementing his place at the heart of the side alongside Ryan Gravenberch.
The Argentine, who joined in a £35m deal from Brighton back in the summer of 2023, has registered 95 appearances in the last two years since his move to Merseyside.
49 of which have come during 2024/25, featuring in all but three Premier League matches, notching 10 combined goals and assists, having a huge impact in their ability to claim the title.
The 26-year-old now appears to be a bargain given his success at Anfield, potentially replicating such a deal with a move for Kerkez over the coming months.
A deal for the Bournemouth defender could see another young star move to the club from a mid-table English outfit, looking to be a key player in any future success under the Dutchman.
The 21-year-old has emerged as a leading full-back despite his tender age, having the tools to thrive at both ends, which has undoubtedly led to the keen interest from Slot’s men.
Kerkez, who’s been labelled “sensational” by journalist Charles Watts, has created 1.1 chances per 90 along with 1.1 successful crosses per 90 – subsequently able to hand other players in front of him the chance to star in the final third.
Games played
38
Goals & assists
7
Pass accuracy
81%
Successful crosses
1.1
Chances created
1.1
Dribbles completed
56%
Tackles won
50%
He’s also completed 56% of the dribbles he’s attempted, with 1.9 touches in the opposition box – further highlighting the talent he possesses with the ball at his feet.
However, Kerkez has also starred defensively, winning 50% of the tackles he’s entered and has come out on top of 4.1 duels per 90, having the capability without the ball to impress despite his attacking nature.
The £45m fee could well prove to be a good price for a young talent who is only going to improve further should he receive more minutes in England’s top-flight over the next few seasons.
Should he get anywhere near the levels produced by Mac Allister on Merseyside, it would be a sensational deal, offering Slot a new dimension to his already star-studded first team squad.
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