An “outstanding” defender who could be ideal for Arne Slot is now high on Liverpool’s transfer radar, according to a report
Reds set sights on new left-back
Andy Robertson has been a fantastic servant to the Reds, with the Scottish left-back playing a key role in the Premier League title triumph this season, but it appears as though a long-term replacement could be brought in this summer.
Milos Kerkez is among the main targets, given the Hungarian’s impressive performances for AFC Bournemouth this season, while Slot’s side are also in the race for Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Rayan Ait-Nouri as a potential alternative.
There will be competition for Kerkez’s signature, however, with Manchester City also keen on the left-back, which means a list of alternative options is being compiled, and a report has now revealed a new target is now on the shortlist.
According to Anfield Watch, Club Brugge defender Maxim De Cuyper is now high on Liverpool’s transfer radar ahead of the summer transfer window, having scouted the left-back over the course of the last 12 months.
Dubbed a dream target, the Reds and FSG seemingly view De Cuyper as an ideal alternative to Kerkez, having impressed in the Champions League this season, most notably catching the eye by covering the second-most distance for Brugge in the competition
Given that players in a Slot system need to work hard off the ball, the 24-year-old could be the perfect addition to the squad, and the fact that he could be available for £21m is also attractive, with Kerkez likely to cost far more.
Not only that, but the Brugge defender is also versatile and able to play at right-back, which also makes him appealing, given that Trent Alexander-Arnold is in line to leave this summer.
“Outstanding” De Cuyper impressing in Belgium
The full-back is yet to prove himself in a major league, but he has certainly caught the eye with his performances in Belgium this season, having received high praise from scout Ben Mattinson, who believes he is now ready to make the move to a bigger club.
Mattinson highlights the Belgian’s attacking capabilities, and he has flourished going forward over the past year, ranking in a high percentile across a number of key metrics
De Cuyper has proven he could be ready to make the step-up to a top club this summer, although it may be wise for Kerkez to remain the top target, given that the Bournemouth defender has already proven himself at Premier League level