Report: Liverpool think £13m player can be the successor for 'struggling' player in Arne Slot's starting XI

12/29/2024 09:00 AM

Liverpool look likely to rotate a number of players as they head to West Ham in the Premier League on Sunday.

The Reds do not have much turnaround time having only played on Thursday evening against Leicester.

As a result, Arne Slot is going to have to decipher which of the Liverpool squad can go again and which may need a rest before next week’s clash with Man United.

One of those who could be in-line to drop out is left-back Andy Robertson.

Robertson has been ‘struggling’ of late but with Kostas Tsimikas out injured, Slot has not been able to rotate the Scotland captain out of his team.

But after Robertson drew more criticism against Leicester, Tsimikas looks probable to start at the London Stadium. Beyond that, though, reports in South America claim that Liverpool have identified the player they want to replace Robertson in the longer-term.

Liverpool still in the mix for Julio Soler

Robertson’s form has been a big talking point this season. The 30-year-old looks like he’s running out of steam after a legendary career at Anfield.

Consequently, eyes have started to turn to the future and who could replace Robertson.

Milos Kerkez would be a dream signing for many supporters and there does seem to be a possibility that Liverpool sign the Bournemouth defender.

However, according to Argentine outlet Soy Del Millo, the Reds are still very much in the mix to win the race for Lanus full-back Julio Soler.

READ MORE: Liverpool hold 'firm interest' in signing midfielder who Jurgen Klopp wanted in 2022

They claim that Liverpool are battling both Man United and River Plate for Soler, with the Premier League duo both reportedly willing to spend £13m to get him.

For Liverpool, it’s said that the Reds would be happy to bring Soler in as a substitute initially, before installing the 19-year-old as Robertson’s successor in the starting XI.

Soler could be cut-price option for Liverpool

It is rare that Liverpool look to South America directly to bring players in, especially to place them immediately in the first-team.

But after rival clubs have shown this to be a successful method of doing business, it would be nice to see Liverpool try it.

At £13m, there really would be very little risk at all attached to signing Soler.

Even if he did not turn out to be the Robertson successor he appears capable of being, Liverpool could likely sell him on for a similar kind of fee.

The likes of Kerkez will surely cost three or four times more. With reports that Bournemouth are sniffing around Soler as well, Liverpool can cut out the middle man and get a player who clearly has a big future ahead of him for an excellent price.