Liverpool Closing in on “Incredible” 1st Summer Signing, He’d Make Diaz More “Dēãdly”
Liverpool’s sporting director, Richard Hughes, has likely already conducted a thorough examination of the club’s financial records to determine how the transfer budget can be allocated during the summer window.
Regardless of any audits, multiple critical factors will influence Liverpool’s approach to the transfer market. Three key players are approaching the final stages of their lucrative contracts, and while the club is keen to secure their futures, negotiations are complex, with finer details playing a significant role in the decision-making process.
It is undoubtedly a challenging task. Hughes and Michael Edwards must collaborate with Arne Slot to strengthen the squad, retain key players, and prepare for a title challenge in the 2025/26 season—all while operating within FSG’s strict financial constraints.
As a result, not every player rumoured to be leaving will necessarily be sold this summer. While Darwin Núñez’s departure appears highly likely, the future of Luis Díaz remains uncertain.
Would it be advantageous for Liverpool to keep the Colombian at Anfield?
Luis Diaz’s Season in Numbers
Díaz’s future has been a topic of speculation for some time. Last summer, Liverpool showed interest in Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon, and while no deal materialised, there were whispers that Barcelona or a similar club might acquire Díaz to help facilitate the move.
The 28-year-old remains one of the most dangerous wingers in world football and has been a key figure in Arne Slot’s starting lineup this season. As Liverpool push towards the Premier League title with a commanding 12-point lead, Díaz has been an ever-present force.
So far, Díaz has registered 13 goals and five assists in 42 appearances across all competitions, amounting to approximately 2,785 minutes on the pitch. Interestingly, he posted identical numbers last season, despite playing around 700 minutes more.
His quick footwork and dazzling dribbling make him a threat, but his finishing lacks the instinctive sharpness required for true world-class status. In fact, he has only managed to score once in 2025, and even that goal was somewhat scrappy.
With Barcelona still interested, Liverpool might consider selling him for the right price. However, with so much change expected at Anfield this summer, such a move could prove too disruptive.
Liverpool Closing on First Summer Signing
According to The i Paper, Liverpool are reportedly close to securing the signing of Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez, who has delivered an outstanding season in the Premier League.
The Cherries have placed a £40 million valuation on Kerkez, who has been identified as the ideal candidate to succeed Andy Robertson. At 31, Robertson is showing signs of decline and is entering the final year of his contract, prompting Liverpool to consider a long-term replacement.
Discussions have reportedly begun with Kerkez’s agent, and Liverpool have also made initial contact with Bournemouth. However, no formal offer has been submitted at this stage.
Several elite clubs, including Arsenal, Manchester City, and Real Madrid, have expressed interest in the defender. Despite this competition, Kerkez is believed to favour a move to Anfield, making this a deal that could realistically materialise.
Why Milos Kerkez is Perfect for Liverpool
Kerkez’s athleticism and drive along the left flank could provide Liverpool with a missing spark, injecting energy that might even reignite Luis Díaz’s form—should the Colombian remain at Anfield.
Earlier in the season, journalist Lewis Steele praised Díaz for his “deadly” performances, but his influence has waned as the campaign has progressed. Kerkez’s arrival could help restore the attacking threat that has faded in recent months.
Despite this dip, Díaz has still managed to score nine Premier League goals this season while only missing eight clear-cut chances. With improved creative support from behind, he could yet rediscover his best form.
A comparison of Kerkez’s statistics with Robertson’s this season highlights why Liverpool see him as a potential upgrade.
| PL: Milos Kerkez vs Andy Robertson (24/25) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Match Stats* | Kerkez | Robertson |
| Matches (starts) | 29 (29) | 27 (24) |
| Goals | 2 | 0 |
| Assists | 5 | 0 |
| Touches* | 57.8 | 65.3 |
| Pass completion | 81% | 89% |
| Big chances created | 6 | 6 |
| Ball recoveries* | 4.6 | 3.2 |
| Dribble (success)* | 0.6 (55%) | 0.1 (33%) |
| Tackles + interceptions* | 2.6 | 2.0 |
| Clearances | 2.7 | 1.3 |
| Ground duels (won)* | 3.1 (58%) | 1.6 (51%) |
| Stats via Sofascore (* per game) | ||
Bournemouth’s rising star clearly possesses greater athleticism than Liverpool’s seasoned left-back. And that’s perfectly fine. Robertson has been a fantastic servant to the club, cementing his status as a modern legend during a golden era in Liverpool’s history.
However, at 31, the Scottish captain has been pushed to his limits. His dribbling average of just 0.1 per game reflects his decline. While he can still produce bursts of energy, his game now leans more on his passing ability and the attacking movement of players like Díaz and Cody Gakpo ahead of him.
Kerkez may not be the most relentless runner, but he is far more precise when choosing to advance. He plays a central role in Bournemouth’s attacking build-up, with Andoni Iraola frequently channelling play through him to drive progression down the left.
Cherries reporter Alex Oakhill has praised Kerkez for his “incredible work rate and physicality,” qualities that could provide Liverpool with exactly what they need—a fresh, dynamic presence on the left flank to ease Robertson’s workload.
While Díaz’s struggles stem partly from his own inconsistency in the final third, Robertson’s diminishing attacking contributions have not helped. The Scottish full-back has yet to register a single goal or assist in the Premier League this season. If that statistic holds, it would be the first time in his career—whether at Liverpool or Hull City—that he has gone a full league campaign without a direct goal involvement.
Kerkez, on the other hand, has been thriving at the Vitality Stadium, displaying both an eye for goal and an impressive passing range reminiscent of Robertson at his peak.
His arrival could significantly strengthen Liverpool, giving Arne Slot a tenacious and ambitious young talent to enhance an already formidable squad.
Sky Sports pundit Izzy Christensen summed up Kerkez’s impact: “He’s been a machine this season, and the frightening thing is he’s not even at his peak yet.”
For Díaz, this could also be a game-changing move, reigniting the electrifying form he is capable of producing—provided he has the right supply and support to sustain it.
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