‘Liverpool to cash in on Robertson to close Kerkez transfer amid Aston Villa news’
Liverpool’s summer transfer business may suddenly be in jeopardy thanks to Atletico Madrid’s interest in an Aston Villa man.
The Scottish defender has played a crucial role in the club’s success since joining from Hull City for just £10million [Sky Sports] in 2017.
Alongside the recently departed Trent Alexander-Arnold, the duo were integral to Liverpool’s two Premier League titles this century, and the former Dundee United man has now won all there is to win in English football.
But Robertson’s performances dipped last season, as the 31-year-old struggled to maintain the impressive attacking output that put him second on the all-time list of assisting defenders in Premier League history.
After forming the best fullback pairing English football has seen this century, the Scotland international may be about to join Alexander-Arnold on the other side of the Spanish capital, but Liverpool will need to act quickly to get a deal done.
Liverpool look to get what they can for Andy Robertson
According to The Times, Atletico are now looking at Lucas Digne as an alternative option, should they fail to sign Robertson.
The Spanish giants’ interest in Villa’s fullback puts Liverpool in an awkward position.
Liverpool are looking to secure a deal for Milos Kerkez, and Arne Slot would undoubtedly be keen on keeping the Scottish defender next season, given his experience and ability to still be a useful member of the squad as a back-up to the Hungarian.
But with Robertson’s contract expiring next year, if the Reds do not get a deal done with Atletico this window, they face the prospect of losing an important player for nothing in successive summers, something that would undoubtedly frustrate the Reds’ fans.
Andy Robertson cash allows Liverpool to secure Milos Kerkez deal
The other upside of cashing in on Robertson, however, is that it would be a benefit in securing a deal for Kerkez.
The Hungarian is a natural successor to the Scottish fullback, given his attacking threat, boundless energy, and underrated defensive capabilities.
Bournemouth have already signed Adrien Truffert from Rennes as a replacement for Kerkez, paving the way for a deal to be done with the Reds.
But with the Cherries sticking to their guns on wanting £45m for the former AC Milan defender, a cash boost might go a long way to wrapping up a deal early in the summer for the 21-year-old, even if it comes at the cost of Liverpool hastily pushing one of their greatest servants towards the exit door.
While Atletico are said to only want to spend £4.2m on Robertson a small incoming fee would also go straight onto the accounts and potentially sweeten the offer to Bournemouth, while the far larger total Kerkez fee would be amortised out over the length of any deal for the new man.
Elsewhere at Anfield, Ian Darke told Liverpool News exclusively that Harvey Elliott’s time to leave the club has come this summer.