Liverpool’s Defensive Rebuild Gathers Pace Under Slot
Summer Strategy Targets Youth, Depth and Long-Term Succession
As one chapter closes with Trent Alexander-Arnold preparing for a high-profile departure, another is poised to begin in earnest at Anfield. If the 2022 midfield revamp was Liverpool’s most urgent structural fix in recent memory, the focus now turns to defence – and the signals point to a similarly calculated reconstruction.
According to respected journalist Jonathan Northcroft, speaking on The Transfers Podcast, Liverpool are moving decisively in the market. On the subject of left-back recruitment, Northcroft offered a bold prediction: “I think they’re going to bring in Kerkez. I’d be surprised if that doesn’t happen at left-back.”
The 20-year-old Milos Kerkez has impressed at Bournemouth with his balance of defensive intelligence and attacking intent. With Kostas Tsimikas expected to leave and Andy Robertson now 31, the Hungarian international would represent not just a squad addition, but a succession plan.
Frimpong and Huijsen Deal Talk Shows Intent
Kerkez is not the only name being linked to Merseyside. Liverpool are said to be “in advanced talks” with Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong, while Italian-Dutch centre-back Dean Huijsen is reportedly being chased by both Liverpool and Arsenal.
Adding Frimpong and Huijsen – 24 and 19 respectively – would inject energy and long-term stability into the backline. Both have high ceilings and significant top-flight experience for their age.
As Northcroft puts it: “Quite a bit might hinge on any deals they can do at the top of the pitch to flip Darwin Nunez, maybe change another one and get another force in up there. If they get those right, then I think the rest of the league is in trouble.” That comment neatly captures the club’s evolving posture: not just patching gaps, but retooling for dominance.
Potential Departures Create Natural Transition
The reshuffle makes sense. With Tsimikas expected to exit and interest reportedly growing in Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah, it’s a natural window to futureproof the defence. Liverpool are not reacting to crisis, but planning for evolution – and under Arne Slot, it’s clear the rebuild will prioritise fluidity and technical security from deep.
Slot’s tactical model thrives on sharp transitions and progressive full-back play, making someone like Frimpong a stylistic fit. Similarly, Kerkez’s tenacity and ability to play on the front foot suits the anticipated shift in approach.
Long-Term Thinking Behind the Summer Moves
This isn’t just about the next season. With Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson moving toward the twilight of their careers, Richard Hughes and the recruitment team appear determined to layer in the next wave of talent while the current leaders are still in situ.
To land Frimpong, Huijsen and Kerkez in one window would be a proactive statement that this is not a team clinging to the past – it’s a side recalibrating for another cycle of challenge. One eye is clearly on sustainability, and the other firmly on trophies.
Our View – Anfield Index Analysis
For Liverpool fans it’s refreshing to see this level of early clarity and purpose in the summer market. After years of brilliant highs followed by slower adaptation at times, this feels like a club preparing to compete on all fronts again.
Milos Kerkez is a name that may not light up social media just yet, but his arrival would show ambition. He’s young, athletic, technically confident and has Premier League experience. If we’re truly planning for a Robertson succession, this makes far more sense than a quick-fix veteran.
What’s more exciting is the potential blend. Frimpong on the right, Kerkez on the left, Huijsen in central rotation – that’s a new-look backline with real pace and balance. Add the fact that Slot will demand more from his defenders in possession, and these links make tactical as well as strategic sense.
As for Darwin Nunez, fans remain split. If the right offer arrives and the club can pivot to a more clinical or versatile attacking force, it could elevate the overall structure. That said, the key will be not just who comes in, but when. Early business means early integration – something we’ve lacked in recent years.
We’ve been here before with Caicedo and others, so until pens are on paper, the excitement is measured. But with Frimpong talks advancing, Huijsen interest confirmed, and Kerkez practically predicted, there’s real optimism that this summer could reshape Liverpool’s defence for years to come.
