
The last push. The Premier League Championship entered its final match and Liverpool’s advantage at the summit was almost impeccable.
Unless the sharp drop, Arne Slot’s celebrity will be crowned the champion by May, with second-place Arsenal going 12 points behind. Focus has turned to the summer transfer window, and Gaffer certainly wants to avoid any season 2 syndrome.
Liverpool needs reinforcements in a range of areas. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s expected move will lead to a consistent approach to successors, but on the other side, bringing someone into a more pressing need.
It’s already early on, but Milos Kerkez is the name in the minds of most fans.
Liverpool’s interest in Milos Kerkez
Liverpool has been linked to Bournemouth’s Krks for months, so there is growing concern about Andy Robertson’s decline and Kostas Tsimikas’ reputation as the second man.
Kerkez has been a “revelation” for the Cherries this season, so Sky Sports’s Jamie Carragher said it brought a powerful and shiny style to Andoni Iraola’s defender left.
Now things start to change. Bournemouth will pay £45 million for their 21-year-old star this summer, with his current deal three years left, according to the Times.
In short, Chairman Bill Foley is ready to play hard balls, even if the Hungarian and his close friend Dominik Szoboszlai want the move.
However, FSG rarely puts all eggs in one basket and may move in different forwards, perhaps even a higher ceiling than the top target on Liverpool’s surface.
Liverpool pays attention to kerkez alternatives
Kerkez is a talented guy, but he isn’t the only exciting left-back on the market. Liverpool also became interested in 19-year-old Ajax star Jorrel Hato and was told a £40 million bid would convince the Dutch giant to sell, according to football insiders.
Harto’s tendency to impress on the central and wide defensive berths really makes him the slot Liverpool appeal. £40 million is a difficult task for a person so young, but the lofty potential is obvious.
But Arsenal, Chelsea and Los Blancos are all eager, so if they are going to complete the signing of the superstar in the production, Anfield side will need to act quickly.
Why Jorrel Hato is perfect
Harto is an explosive defender, enterprising and brave, rooted in his defensive virtues, but eager to travel and progress forward.
Hato was described by analyst Ben Mattinson as a “outstanding athlete” and it was a revelation for Ajax, who ranked nine points at the top of Eredivisie in the Netherlands and did not win the championship in two seasons.
He has already had 104 times for the first team, scoring four goals and nine assists, and it’s no surprise that Martinson emphasized his “crazy quality on the ball.”
FBREF has data to support it all: Over the past year, the teenager has ranked first and last 20% of the forwards in related leagues, accounting for ball recovery, while every 90 balls are in the top 6%.
While Harto won’t be cheap for £40m, he might sign better than Kerkez, as Hato can be shaped by Slot’s craftsmen and develop a player who can play multiple defensive roles.
At 6 feet tall, the Dutch is a powerful and commanding player, perhaps with a more structured game style, and can be seen outlining it in Slot’s system without eliminating the natural edge of attack, which has actually surpassed Kerkez’s tug this semester.
Jorrel Hato vs Milos Kerkez (2024/25) |
||
---|---|---|
Statistics (*Every match) |
Hato |
Kerks |
Competition (start) |
24 (23) |
29 (29) |
Target |
2 |
2 |
Assist |
6 |
5 |
touch* |
66.6 |
57.8 |
Completed by |
90% |
81% |
Created great opportunities |
5 |
6 |
Dribble* |
0.3 |
0.6 |
Ball Recycling* |
4.0 |
4.6 |
Tackle + Intercept* |
2.8 |
2.6 |
gap* |
2.0 |
2.7 |
Duel (win)* |
4.5 (55%) |
3.8 (51%) |
Statistics via Sofascore |
In the long run, Hato may have the attributes of being a centre-back, but his all-game game as an all-back will be the perfect study for Robertson, 31, next season.
Well, what we are studying is to cross the veterans. Harto’s tactical qualities have taken him across multiple roles, but he has the ability to play and agile athleticism to pass the exams that the Premier League must offer and does thrive in the years to come.
Indeed, Robertson may be promoting, but remains a starting member of a potential champion team, completing 89% of his passes in the Premier League.
His playing style has been so good at Liverpool over the years that Harto’s similar approach could bring dividends to the Reds as they enter the second iteration of Slot next season.
Harto returned to the table and Kerkez showed signs of being a rookie who was not a rookie himself, without the endless gas box and unwavering tenacity.
Such a prodigal son makes Hato one of the most exciting young people in Europe. Indeed, last month he became part of his team’s prestigious 100 club, the youngest club to achieve the feat at the age of 18 – Matthijs de Ligt was a former holder for 19 years and 199 days.
Excitingly, he still has great potential. With the slot machine, his fellow countrymen, guided him out of the way, which could be a game in Liverpool Paradise as they hope to get better next year.
Transfer focus
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A tough question; after all, they will be in the Premier League title. However, to consolidate the strength position under slot management, this is just the type of signature required. Kerks is great, Harto is better, and cheaper.
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