Olympic and Copa America stars: 3 potential Liverpool left-back transfers
By Luke Birch
In the absence of senior number three Andy Robertson, having a solid rotation option at left-back is paramount for Liverpool.
Last season, Kostas Tsimikas proved himself to be a slightly unreliable deputy, making errors in Robertson’s absence.
Highly-touted youngster Owen Beck has drawn interest from various clubs and could yet move away from Anfield before the campaign kicks off.
If a mover for Beck beckons or Tsimikas says goodbye, here are options for Liverpool in the transfer market.
Bradley Locko
Locko, 22, was a key part of France’s team at the 2024 Olympics, where he played three matches as Les Bleus earn the silver medal.
Since 2023, Locko has featured 33 times for Brest in Ligue 1, helping them to a third-placed finish last season.
He is keen to advance with the ball at his feet, making him a potent threat on Brest’s left side.
Locko is also a keen tackler and is one of the top defenders in that category. His aggressive defensive style would fit well in the Slot system.
He joined Brest from Reims, where he played his first senior football.
Locko has allegedly been courted by Premier League teams including Nottingham Forest, Tottenham Hotspur, and Manchester City.
Antonee Robinson
Robinson has played for Fulham since 2020, making 136 Premier League appearances with the Cottagers.
The American started all of the USA’s games at the 2024 Copa America, earning an assist in their game against Panama.
Last season, the 27-year-old was among the top defenders in the Premier League for interceptions.
He also stacked up well amongst his peers for clearances, tackles, and blocks.
Robinson therefore would be a more defensive option, and could potentially free up Joe Gomez to play in other positions in the absence of Robertson.
Before joining Fulham, Robinson played two seasons with Wigan Athletic, the first on loan from Everton.
He spent four years on the books at Goodison Park, but never made a first-team appearance.
Julio Soler
Left-back Julio Soler played all four games for Argentina under manager Javier Mascherano at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Soler earned an assist in La Seleccion’s opening game of the competition, a defeat against Morocco.
He played for Argentina U23 in a 2-0 friendly win against Paraguay in June, earning an assist. The 19-year-old plays for Buenos Aires club Lanus in the top level of Argentinian football.
According to Liverpool.com, the Reds are ‘likely’ to put in an offer for Soler.
Good on the ball, Soler could be an able deputy with Robertson’s succession in mind. He would be a long-term option for sure but would need some seasoning at the top level before he really could take the reins from Robbo.
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