PSG's Mo Salah stopper, three Premier League stars and a Netherlands prodigy: NINE left back options for Liverpool this summer

• e-mail

With the Premier League all but won, Liverpool must turn their attention to the future in what is set to be a busy summer transfer window.

In a quiet summer last year, the Reds secured the services of Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili and added Federico Chiesa to their ranks. Arne Slot has confirmed this summer will be busier. One dilemma that will trouble the Anfield club is their gaping hole at right back, pending Trent Alexander-Arnold’s expected exit to Real Madrid.

Conor Bradley, Alexander-Arnold’s understudy, is a capable full back but the Northern Irishman has struggled with niggling injuries recently, perhaps prompting Slot to consider raiding the market for options.

Yet, another position Liverpool need to act fast to improve is their left back spot if they want to progress next season. Kostas Tsimikas has failed to prove his suitability for top job since joining Liverpool in 2020-21. He has been used sparingly to provide some relief to the ageing Andy Robertson.

The 31-year-old has been a loyal servant to the Reds for eight years but, with his contract set to expire at the end of the 2025-26 season, it would be wise to cash in on a depreciating asset. Sofascore’s statistics suggest that he has not been performing to his past standards, picking up just one assist in all competitions this season.

His 6.93 Sofascore rating is lower than other left back targets in the market and his 73 minutes per game average brings his long-term durability into question as Liverpool continue to compete on various frontiers. This raises the question of who Liverpool should buy to replace Scotland’s skipper and improve their overall attacking and defensive play.

Arne Slot looks set to lead Liverpool to the Premier League title in his first season but the Reds are still in need of a major squad overhaul

Veteran Andy Robertson has largely had a positive campaign but full back is still a position the Reds need to bolster

Back-up Kostas Tsimikas (back row left) has failed to prove his suitability for the top job in his four years at Anfield

Best left backs for now:

Alejandro Grimaldo – Bayer Leverkusen

Grimaldo has established himself as one of the best attacking left backs on the planet right now following his tremendous debut campaign with Bayer Leverkusen last season.

The Spanish international picked up 10 goals and 15 assists in 33 appearances in their title-winning campaign in 2023-24.

The former Barcelona youth player has continued in the same vein this season with 14 goals involvements so far and has created 17 big chances, according to Sofascore.

Known for his surging runs down the left flank, Grimaldo would also be an ideal choice to link up with Colombian winger Luis Diaz, given they speak the same language.

Yet, the 29-year-old’s attacking ferocity contrasts Slot’s tendency to have his left back more conservative, potentially steering the Reds away from him.

Alejandro Grimaldo has established himself as one of the best attacking left backs on the planet right now

Nuno Mendes – PSG

After Mendes’ terrific display against Mo Salah in the Champions League, could buying the Portuguese defender be the best move to fortify their European hopes next season?

With a Sofascore rating of 7.36, Mendes’ physical qualities are impossible to ignore with 7.2 final third entries per game and 4.9 ball recoveries per game, eclipsing Robertson (6.2 and 3.4 respectively).

The 22-year-old has a prosperous career ahead of him and Liverpool could splash the cash to bring in one of the world’s best left backs.

Nuno Mendes’ physical qualities are impossible to ignore with 7.2 final third entries per game

Maximilian Mittelstadt – VFB Stuttgart

Having played his whole career in Germany, could Mittelstadt be lining up a move to England following two solid seasons at Stuttgart?

Mittelstadt gained international recognition following his starts for Julian Nagelsmann’s Germany side at Euro 2024.

This campaign, the German international has one goal and 9 assists to his name for a Stuttgart side that has struggled to replicate last season’s highs.

The 28-year-old could be an under the radar signing for Liverpool and could be picked up for just under £20m, according to Sofascore.

Maximilian Mittelstadt gained international recognition following his starts for Julian Nagelsmann’s Germany side at Euro 2024

Antonee Robinson – Fulham

Fulham’s marauding left back has forced himself into the 'best left back in the Premier League' conversation with his consistent performances for his club this term.

Robinson showed signs he was capable of this season's form during the 2023-24 campaign where the American picked up six assists.

Now, after 10 assists this term, his market value has rocketed and Liverpool’s interest in the 27-year-old has increased.

Robinson’s pace, crossing and defensive acumen would fit straight in for what Slot wants in his full backs.

Antonee Robinson’s pace, crossing and defensive acumen would fit straight in for what Slot wants in his full backs

Theo Hernandez – AC Milan

Galloping French international Hernandez has enjoyed a impressive career playing in both Spain and Italy.

The 27-year-old is about to enter the prime of his career and, with four goals and six assists to his name this season, offers a tremendous option for the Reds.

He also rarely misses many games in a season, missing around four matches per season in the last eight campaigns, making him a dependable asset.

Valued at £35m with one year left on his contract, Liverpool could obtain his services at a cut price.

Galloping French international Theo Hernandez has enjoyed a impressive career playing in both Spain and Italy

Investment for the future:

Lewis Hall – Newcastle

The former Chelsea youth player has had a superb season for Newcastle, establishing himself as Eddie Howe’s go-to left back.

His crossing is his most striking weapon, claiming four assists from his 29.1 per cent crossing accuracy, along with six big chances created.

However, the 20-year-old suffered an ankle surgery which will see him out for the rest of the season, which could deter Liverpool from pursuing him.

The former Chelsea youth player Lewis Hall has had a superb season for Newcastle and firmly established himself in the Magpies starting XI 

Nathaniel Brown – Eintracht Frankfurt

Following his time with Nuremberg, German youth international Nathaniel Brown has forced his way into an exciting Frankfurt side who are performing well this season.

The 21-year-old is an attacking threat, picking up three goals and four assist in 24 matches in all competitions this season.

He rivals Lewis Hall’s Sofascore rating (7.24) with 7.14 and, at an estimated market value of £11.6m, he could an absolute bargain for Liverpool’s long term transfer strategy.

Nathaniel Brown (right) is an attacking threat, picking up three goals and four assist in 24 matches in all competitions

Jorrel Hato – Ajax

Dutch prodigy Hato is one of the most valuable Under 21s in the Eredivisie right now after pushing his way into the first team.

The 19-year-old’s all-round game shows immense quality both offensively and defensively. He has registered eight goal involvements and 4.11 ball recoveries per game for Dutch giants Ajax.

Given the growing Merseyside-Netherlands connection, Hato could be tempted to continue his growth alongside other Dutch internationals such as Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo. 

Netherlands youngster Jorrel Hato is one of the most valuable Under 21s in the Eredivisie

Milos Kerkez has been heavily linked with the Premier League giants as he enjoys the best season of his career

Milos Kerkez – Bournemouth

The Hungarian has been heavily linked with the Premier League giants as he enjoys the best season of his career.

Kerkez’s has seven goal involvements in all competitions this season for the Cherries.

Andoni Iraola has turned Kerkez into a physical monster who can bomb back and forward with 5.53 final third entries and 4.66 ball recoveries per game.

His inch-perfect cross against Tottenham for their opening goal in a 2-2 draw reflects his immense crossing quality, a trait Slot would be interested in for his left back.

Acquiring the 21-year-old’s services won’t be cheap. Given his age and quality, it wouldn’t be surprising if Bournemouth demand a fee of around £50m.