Liverpool receive Milos Kerkez 'boost' as Arne Slot looks to make second full-back addition after Jeremie Frimpong

Bournemouth are said to have lined up Quentin Merlin as a replacement for Milos Kerkez amid interest from Liverpool in signing the left-back.

The Reds made their first addition of the summer transfer window on Friday when the club announced the arrival of Jeremie Frimpong, who is seen as a potential replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Frimpong is boss Arne Slot's second addition during his time at Anfield, and he looks set to spend significantly in the summer after only bringing in backup winger Federico Chiesa in his first two transfer windows.

Liverpool are expected to be in the market for another full-back to take the place of Andrew Robertson on the left side of defence, with Bournemouth's Kerkez strongly linked.

TEAMtalk report that the Cherries are eyeing Marseille full-back Merlin, indicating their readiness to move on from Kerkez.

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A new era of full-backs

Robertson and Alexander-Arnold have been staples in the side since the 2017-18 season, but with the former declining and the latter having left, Slot has been forced to look for alternatives in defence.

Kerkez is at his best when he is given license to charge up the left flank, joining the attack at pace and helping to carry the ball to the final third.

The same can be said of Frimpong, who differs from Alexander-Arnold as he is not as expansive with his passing range, but instead prefers to bring the ball forward via dribbling.

Slot has frequently praised Paris Saint-Germain and their use of left-back Nuno Mendes and right-back Achraf Hakimi, and perhaps the Dutchman is looking to replicate that dynamic.

Mendes and Hakimi are incredibly athletic and are able to beat opposition markers due to their sheer pace, with the duo excelling against the likes of Arsenal in the Champions League.

Without Alexander-Arnold in the team, the Reds will have to find new ways of getting into the final third, but Kerkez and Frimpong could help mitigate the loss of his creativity.

Written by
Lewis Nolan