After Kerkez: Liverpool Pursuing Move for “Ridiculous” £60m Star, He’s Mac Allister 2.0
During the 2024/25 Premier League season, Arne Slot relied on a consistent group of key players to guide his Liverpool players to the league title.
The Reds must now focus on strengthening the squad over the summer to ensure there is sufficient depth to launch another push for first place.
Few would have imagined the Dutchman achieving such success in his first season in charge, particularly after succeeding the much-loved Jürgen Klopp.
Yet the challenge ahead is entirely different, as Liverpool players move from chasing the title to defending it, with the former Feyenoord manager having set a clear benchmark for what’s expected under his leadership.
With the transfer window fast approaching, preparations are already underway behind the scenes to give Slot the best opportunity to retain the title.
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Left-back Milos Kerkez has attracted interest in recent months, having delivered an impressive campaign in the Premier League with Bournemouth. The Hungarian has emerged as a standout performer, prompting growing attention from top clubs.
Recent updates have revealed that negotiations are moving forward for the 21-year-old, who may be available for a fee in the region of £45 million during the summer transfer window.
Kerkez, however, is not the only Premier League player being closely monitored. Brighton forward Joao Pedro has also emerged as a target, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.
Jacobs reported that Liverpool officials are highly interested in the 23-year-old attacker, who registered ten goals and six assists across just 27 appearances for Brighton.
He also indicated that the Brazilian is being considered as a potential successor to Darwin Núñez, who has been linked with a possible exit from Anfield. A move for Pedro, though, could cost in the region of £60 million.
Why Liverpool’s £60m Target Could Be Slot’s Next Mac Allister
Midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has played a vital role in Liverpool’s success this season, establishing himself as a central figure in the team alongside Ryan Gravenberch.
The Argentine international has made 35 appearances in the league so far, contributing significantly in attacking phases with five goals and five assists to his name.
Beyond his attacking output, Mac Allister has also stood out defensively, winning 61% of his tackles and averaging 5.9 duels won per 90 minutes, making him an ideal box-to-box option for Slot’s midfield setup.
These consistent performances have sparked calls for his inclusion in the Premier League Team of the Season, underlining his influence in Liverpool’s title-winning campaign.
His £35 million transfer from Brighton in the summer of 2023 now looks like exceptional value, and Slot may have the chance to secure a similarly impactful signing with Joao Pedro this summer.
Pedro, who has been described as “ridiculous” by one analyst, has played a crucial part in Brighton’s success under Fabian Hürzeler and could potentially bring his skillset to Anfield.
The Brazilian’s statistics further showcase his quality, averaging 2.2 shots per 90 minutes, with one of those on target per game — offering the kind of attacking threat Slot is looking to add.
| Joao Pedro’s stats for Brighton in the PL (2024/25) | |
|---|---|
| Statistics (per 90) | Tally |
| Games played | 27 |
| Goals scored | 10 |
| Assists | 6 |
| Pass accuracy | 75% |
| Shots taken | 2.2 |
| Shots on target per 90 | 1 |
| Chances created | 1.4 |
| Dribbles completed | 1.4 |
| Aerials won | 1.9 |
| Stats Source FotMob | |
The Brazilian has also impressed with his distribution, completing 75% of his passes and creating an average of 1.4 chances per 90 minutes, giving those around him the platform to flourish in the final third.
Pedro’s contributions extend further, with an average of 1.4 successful dribbles and 1.9 aerial duels won per 90 minutes, showcasing a well-rounded skillset that could prove valuable in Liverpool’s pursuit of back-to-back titles in 2025/26.
While the £60 million price tag may appear steep, Pedro has already proven his ability to perform in the Premier League, removing the usual concerns about adapting to the league’s intensity.
If he can deliver performances similar to those of Mac Allister in recent months, it could represent another shrewd acquisition—one that may play a pivotal role in the club’s future success.
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