To be honest, I have not considered transfer fee’s in the below!!
Football Transfer Shortlist – Prioritised by Position
1. Left-Back (LB)
Milos Kerkez
After eight years of exceptional service, Andy Robertson’s replacement feels overdue this summer. Milos Kerkez stands out as the perfect successor to claim the title of the Premier League’s premier ‘flying’ full-back. At just 21, he surpasses the Big Five League average in progressive carries and delivering the ball into the penalty area—both as a crosser and a carrier—making him a dynamic, well-rounded attacking left-back.
His standout moment this season came against Spurs with a breathtaking cross—one of the most beautiful I’ve seen. It wasn’t a reactive pass waiting for a run; it was proactive, dictating his teammates’ movement. Pure world-class quality. Whether Liverpool seeks a direct Robertson replica is up for debate—some might prefer the modern ‘lockdown’ defender trend (Hato?)—but if they want a like-for-like profile, Kerkez is ready to step up.
2. Striker (ST)
Alexander Isak
Watching Alexander Isak, it’s easy to see why Newcastle fans adore him. His 19 goals across all competitions this season underline his role as a relentless attacking threat, fueling their push for a European return. A right-footed centre-forward, Isak thrives leading the line solo, blending versatility into his movement. When space opens, he spins in behind, bursting past centre-backs. Alternatively, he drops short to link with midfield through quick, sharp passes before accelerating forward again.
His runs often curve toward the ball, allowing him to face goal and exploit gaps, typically drifting left to finish with his stronger right across the keeper. If play shifts right, he adjusts—hitting the far post or repositioning centrally in the box. His touch and ball control are sublime, capable of killing the ball dead or nudging it perfectly to challenge nearby defenders. Isak’s elegance and potency make him a dream fit up top.
3. Centre-Back (CB)
Dean Huijsen
Dean Huijsen’s lanky, giraffe-like frame belies his grace as one of the most stylish dribbling centre-backs around. He’s mobile and loves venturing deep into opposition territory, offloading wide, then lingering near the box’s edge. This flair gives Bournemouth a fluid attacking dynamic, breaking low blocks with an unorthodox progression style—a trait that could thrive at Liverpool against narrow, deep defenses.
That said, there’s rawness to his defending. He’s not slow, but even at youth level, he’s been vulnerable to balls in behind, and his eagerness to challenge for possession can feel overambitious. Still, his height and athleticism mark him as a high-upside project worth pursuing.
4. Central Midfielder (CM)
Carlos Baleba
Carlos Baleba’s midfield profile is rare. His progressive passing can be inconsistent, but he compensates with elite dribbling under pressure and relentless space-attacking carries. That athleticism also shines defensively, especially in high-stakes moments. Despite occasional off-ball lapses in middle-third buildup, the 21-year-old is already a net-positive contributor—remarkable for his age.
In 2023/24, he won 72.7% of his aerial duels, dropping to a still-impressive 63.8% in 2024/25 (tops at Brighton, 24th league-wide, 4th among non-defenders). He’s tasked with aggressive pressing, often going man-to-man, and hounds the opposition’s centre-backs by shadowing their forwards or No. 10s. His tackling stats reflect his evolution: defensive third tackles rose from 0.38/90 (2022/23) to 1.16/90 (2023/24), then settled at 0.82/90 (2024/25), mirroring a similar trend in the middle third. In the attacking third, his numbers shifted from 0.38 to 0.27 to 0.53, highlighting a growing counterpressing role under Hürzeler compared to De Zerbi’s setup.
Baleba’s athletic gifts are outlier-level, and with sharper passing decisions, he could become a world-class midfielder. Think Declan Rice’s trajectory—adding final-third impact could elevate him to that tier.
Other options:
LB: Rayan Aït-Nouri
ST: Julián Alvarez
CB: Murillo
CM: Morten Hjulmand