Man Utd have chance to sign top league defender after Liverpool step aside

Manchester United could swoop for Fulham star Antonee Robinson who has been in fine form this season, after Liverpool pulled out of the running.

Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez has been identified as the Merseyside club’s preferred option now and Liverpool have given United a clear path to sign Robinson.

Liverpool see Bournemouth’s £40 million-rated Kerkez as a better fit for their long-term strategy and he has also been linked to United.

Both clubs are targeting reinforcements on the left flank but for entirely different reasons.

Liverpool are seeking a successor to Andy Robertson, who has shown signs of decline this season.

United, on the other hand, need a specialist left wing-back to suit manager Rúben Amorim’s 3-4-3 formation, which is crucial to the Portuguese boss’s plans to revive the struggling club.

Fulham’s Robinson has emerged as a standout candidate, enjoying a stellar season with seven assists—more than any other defender in the league. Only Mohamed Salah (13) and Bukayo Saka (10) have more assists in the Premier League this term.

ESPN FC reported Liverpool’s minimal interest in Robinson, citing the player’s age as the primary concern.

At 27, Robinson falls outside the Reds’ preferred recruitment profile, which focuses on younger players in their early-to-mid 20s with high potential for development.

“It’s not because [Liverpool] don’t think he’s a good player,” stated the outlet. “It’s more the fact that he’s 27. He’s not their age profile. Liverpool don’t sign players for the long-term who are 27-years-old.”

Recent Liverpool signings like Alexis Mac Allister, Ibrahima Konaté, and Cody Gakpo illustrate this strategy, making Kerkez a more suitable target for the Merseyside club.

Kerkez, 21, has been identified as Liverpool’s preferred option to eventually succeed Robertson.

Currently at Bournemouth, the Hungarian international has already caught the attention of several top clubs.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has called Kerkez “one to watch,” with sources valuing him at around £40 million.

Kerkez’s recent move to Fali Ramadani’s Lian Sports agency signals a potential transfer in the near future, likely in 2025.

However, should rival interest—especially from United—intensify, Liverpool may be forced to accelerate their plans to secure the player.

With Liverpool stepping aside, United are in a strong position to sign Robinson as Amorim’s first major addition.

Reports suggest the manager is considering Robinson as a priority signing to strengthen his tactical system. Fulham’s marauding left-back would provide the attacking thrust Amorim requires on the left flank.

United are also monitoring other left-sided options, including Nuno Mendes of Paris Saint-Germain, who previously played under Amorim at Sporting CP. Mendes could be available after PSG’s contract extension talks with the player stalled.

Liverpool’s recent transfer history demonstrates a willingness to act decisively when rivals show interest in shared targets.

The signings of Luis Díaz and Cody Gakpo were accelerated in response to Tottenham and Manchester United’s pursuits, respectively.

If United were to prioritize a move for Kerkez, Liverpool may be prompted to bring forward their own plans to avoid missing out on the player.

However, if United move for Robinson or Mendes instead, Liverpool could afford to wait until the summer to secure Kerkez.

For now, United appear to have a free run at Robinson, while Liverpool position themselves strategically for the future, ensuring their recruitment aligns with their long-term philosophy.