Report: Liverpool Monitoring La Liga Rising Star For Left-Back Role | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Left-Back Plans: A New Name Enters the Frame

Liverpool’s defensive revamp is expected to take centre stage in the summer transfer window, with the left-back position a growing area of focus. While much has been made of Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez as a potential addition, a fresh name has now emerged—Sergi Cardona of Villarreal.

According to the Daily Mail, Liverpool have been monitoring the Spanish full-back for the past 18 months, as they look to find a long-term successor to Andy Robertson.

Robertson’s Future and the Need for Reinforcements

For years, Robertson has been a pillar of Liverpool’s success, redefining the modern full-back role under Jürgen Klopp’s and now Arne Slot’s high-intensity system. His tireless energy, overlapping runs, and delivery from wide areas have been instrumental in Liverpool’s attacking output. However, at 30 years old, the Scot has struggled with injuries, and the demands of his role are beginning to take their toll.

Kostas Tsimikas has provided adequate cover, but there is a growing consensus that he may not be the long-term answer for a side competing at the highest level. Given Liverpool’s reliance on their full-backs to dictate attacking play, securing a younger, dynamic left-back is now a priority.

The Candidates: Cardona Joins an Expanding Shortlist

Milos Kerkez remains Liverpool’s primary target, with the Hungarian already impressing at Bournemouth. His defensive tenacity and ability to progress the ball align well with Liverpool’s tactical blueprint. Slavia Prague’s El Hadji Malick Diouf and Ajax’s Jorrel Hato have also been linked, with Hato even making a recent visit to Anfield.

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However, Daily Mail reports that Liverpool have also been tracking Villarreal’s Sergi Cardona. The 24-year-old joined the Yellow Submarines from Las Palmas last summer and has quickly established himself as a key figure, making 26 appearances this season, contributing one goal and six assists.

“Another name is Sergi Cardona at Villarreal, who joined the club from Las Palmas on a free transfer last summer. He has been monitored by Liverpool in the last 18 months,” the Daily Mail report stated.

What Cardona Could Offer Liverpool

At 24, Cardona represents an intriguing option. His attacking output—six assists this season—suggests he possesses the creativity required to thrive in Liverpool’s system. While he is not yet a household name, his rapid adaptation to top-flight football in La Liga indicates a player on the rise.

There are still question marks over whether he would be an immediate starter or a developmental signing. Villarreal’s fluctuating form this season has made it difficult to assess his true ceiling, but Liverpool’s recruitment team has shown a knack for spotting undervalued talent before their stock soars.

With Robertson’s minutes needing to be carefully managed and Tsimikas’ future uncertain, Liverpool must get this decision right. Whether Cardona becomes their preferred option remains to be seen, but his emergence as a target further underlines Liverpool’s clear intent to address their left-back situation in the upcoming window.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Liverpool’s left-back situation has been a growing concern, and this report only reinforces the need for change. Andy Robertson remains a club legend, but his availability has declined in recent seasons. The high-intensity football Liverpool play makes it crucial to have a full-back who can contribute consistently at both ends of the pitch.

Milos Kerkez has long been touted as the obvious choice, but Sergi Cardona’s inclusion in Liverpool’s scouting plans raises an interesting debate. At 24, he offers potential, but fans may question whether he is a ‘Liverpool-level’ signing. The comparisons to Robertson are obvious—both are aggressive in their approach and capable of delivering in attack. However, transitioning from Villarreal to the Premier League is no small task.

Liverpool supporters will want clarity on the club’s intentions. Is Cardona a backup plan, or is he a genuine competitor for a starting role? Either way, with the club set for a defensive rebuild, fans will be hoping for an ambitious recruitment strategy rather than a cost-effective gamble.