Liverpool’s defensive revamp is predicted to take centre stage in the summertime switch window, with the left-back place a rising space of focus. Whereas a lot has been fabricated from Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez as a possible addition, a contemporary title has now emerged—Sergi Cardona of Villarreal.
Based on the Day by day Mail, Liverpool have been monitoring the Spanish full-back for the previous 18 months, as they give the impression of being to discover a long-term successor to Andy Robertson.
Robertson’s Future and the Want for Reinforcements
For years, Robertson has been a pillar of Liverpool’s success, redefining the fashionable full-back position beneath Jürgen Klopp’s and now Arne Slot’s high-intensity system. His tireless power, overlapping runs, and supply from extensive areas have been instrumental in Liverpool’s attacking output. Nevertheless, at 30 years previous, the Scot has struggled with accidents, and the calls for of his position are starting to take their toll.
Kostas Tsimikas has offered ample cowl, however there’s a rising consensus that he will not be the long-term reply for a aspect competing on the highest stage. Given Liverpool’s reliance on their full-backs to dictate attacking play, securing a youthful, dynamic left-back is now a precedence.
The Candidates: Cardona Joins an Increasing Shortlist
Milos Kerkez stays Liverpool’s main goal, with the Hungarian already impressing at Bournemouth. His defensive tenacity and talent to progress the ball align properly with Liverpool’s tactical blueprint. Slavia Prague’s El Hadji Malick Diouf and Ajax’s Jorrel Hato have additionally been linked, with Hato even making a latest go to to Anfield.
Nevertheless, stories that Liverpool have additionally been monitoring Villarreal’s Sergi Cardona. The 24-year-old joined the Yellow Submarines from Las Palmas final summer time and has shortly established himself as a key determine, making 26 appearances this season, contributing one objective and 6 assists.
“One other title is Sergi Cardona at Villarreal, who joined the membership from Las Palmas on a free switch final summer time. He has been monitored by Liverpool within the final 18 months,” the Day by day Mail report said.
What Cardona Might Supply Liverpool
At 24, Cardona represents an intriguing possibility. His attacking output—six assists this season—suggests he possesses the creativity required to thrive in Liverpool’s system. Whereas he’s not but a family title, his speedy adaptation to top-flight soccer in La Liga signifies a participant on the rise.
There are nonetheless query marks over whether or not he could be a direct starter or a developmental signing. Villarreal’s fluctuating kind this season has made it tough to evaluate his true ceiling, however Liverpool’s recruitment staff has proven a knack for recognizing undervalued expertise earlier than their inventory soars.
With Robertson’s minutes needing to be rigorously managed and Tsimikas’ future unsure, Liverpool should get this choice proper. Whether or not Cardona turns into their most well-liked possibility stays to be seen, however his emergence as a goal additional underlines Liverpool’s clear intent to handle their left-back state of affairs within the upcoming window.
Our View – Anfield Index Evaluation
Liverpool’s left-back state of affairs has been a rising concern, and this report solely reinforces the necessity for change. Andy Robertson stays a membership legend, however his availability has declined in latest seasons. The high-intensity soccer Liverpool play makes it essential to have a full-back who can contribute constantly at each ends of the pitch.
Milos Kerkez has lengthy been touted as the apparent alternative, however Sergi Cardona’s inclusion in Liverpool’s scouting plans raises an attention-grabbing debate. At 24, he provides potential, however followers could query whether or not he’s a ‘Liverpool-level’ signing. The comparisons to Robertson are apparent—each are aggressive of their method and able to delivering in assault. Nevertheless, transitioning from Villarreal to the Premier League isn’t any small process.
Liverpool supporters will need readability on the membership’s intentions. Is Cardona a backup plan, or is he a real competitor for a beginning position? Both means, with the membership set for a defensive rebuild, followers will likely be hoping for an formidable recruitment technique slightly than a cheap gamble.