Liverpool consider left-back move but should they aim higher? | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Left-Back Dilemma: Is Sergi Cardona the Right Fit?

As Liverpool approach the summer transfer window, squad depth remains a major concern for Arne Slot. While the Reds have enjoyed a strong campaign, fatigue has crept into the squad, exposing the need for reinforcements in several key positions.

According to Caught Offside, one area Liverpool are looking to strengthen is left-back, with Villarreal’s Sergi Cardona emerging as a potential target. The 25-year-old defender is also attracting interest from Aston Villa and Atletico Madrid, making the battle for his signature far from straightforward.

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A Solution to Liverpool’s Left-Back Concerns?

Liverpool currently have Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas occupying the left-back role, but neither has delivered consistently this season. Robertson’s injury struggles and advancing age—he turns 31 later this year—raise questions about his long-term suitability as a first-choice option. Meanwhile, Tsimikas has failed to establish himself as a genuine alternative, leaving Liverpool in need of fresh competition.

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Cardona, who has contributed one goal and six assists in 26 La Liga appearances this season, is reportedly available for a reasonable fee of £13m-£17m. At 25, he offers experience but is not necessarily a transformative signing. While he would add depth to Liverpool’s defensive options, the bigger question is whether he can immediately challenge for a starting role.

Is Cardona the Right Profile for Liverpool?

Liverpool’s recruitment under Slot needs to be ambitious, particularly as the team undergoes transition. While Cardona’s attacking contributions and versatility make him an attractive option, Liverpool may require more than just a squad player.

What Liverpool need is a left-back who can provide genuine competition for Robertson, not just a rotational option. The club have also been linked with Milos Kerkez of Bournemouth, a player who has already proven himself in the Premier League and was signed for the Cherries by current Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes. Given Kerkez’s performances this season, he might be the more logical choice if Liverpool are willing to invest.

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How Liverpool Should Approach This Transfer

There is a case to be made for signing Cardona at a modest fee, particularly if Liverpool want to focus their major spending elsewhere. However, the Premier League demands physicality, pace, and defensive discipline—qualities that must be present in any left-back Liverpool sign.

If Liverpool see Cardona as a reliable backup, this move could make sense financially. However, if the aim is to secure a long-term successor to Robertson, then they may need to aim higher.

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For now, it remains to be seen whether Liverpool will prioritise a cost-effective squad addition or push for a player who can make an immediate impact.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

For Liverpool fans, the potential signing of Sergi Cardona is unlikely to spark much excitement. While squad depth is important, is Cardona really the kind of player to elevate Liverpool’s left-back position?

Robertson is still a key figure at the club, but injuries and age are catching up with him. Tsimikas, meanwhile, has never fully convinced as a long-term solution. If Liverpool are serious about competing at the highest level, they need a player who can genuinely challenge Robertson, not just provide backup.

Cardona is a decent player, but he doesn’t stand out as an elite signing. If Liverpool’s ambitions are to compete with Manchester City and Arsenal, then they should be targeting someone with the potential to be a game-changer. Milos Kerkez, for example, already has Premier League experience and fits the profile of a modern, aggressive full-back.

A £13m-£17m signing for squad depth is not necessarily bad business, but Liverpool need to be strategic. If this is their main left-back signing, fans would have every right to feel underwhelmed.