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Former Liverpool right-back Glen Johnson reckons the Reds should steer clear of Bournemouth's Milos Kerkez and pursue Chelsea's Marc Cucurella instead. The Premier League champions are eyeing a new left-back to eventually succeed Andy Robertson.
As per Metro, Kerkez is Slot's side's primary target, having enjoyed an impressive season for Bournemouth, but Johnson wants them to bring in Cucurella, who's also having a superb season.
The Spaniard, who arrived from Brighton & Hove Albion in the summer of 2022, has played 45 times across competitions this season, contributing six goals and four assists. Four of those goals and two assists have come in 34 outings in the Premier League, where Enzo Maresca's side are fifth with two games remaining.
"It’s really important that Liverpool get this signing right this summer," Johnson told WDW Bingo (as per Metro). "They need a player who can fit right in with the players, match their attitude and not get lost in the dressing room. Milos Kerkez seems to be the player that has been linked the most, but I’m not sure he is the right fit."
He continued about the Euro 2024 champion:
‘If I were Liverpool, I would be doing everything I could to sign Marc Cucurella, he would be my first choice Robertson replacement. I’m not sure if he is available, but he is by far the best left-back in the Premier League, and everyone is available for the right price.
"He has really kicked on since the Euros last year, and the best I have seen him play was against Liverpool a few weeks ago, up against the best winger in the league."
Hailing Cucurella, 26, Johnson concluded:
"He is a livewire. He seems to be buzzing about all over the pitch all game long. He defends really well, is great on the ball, but he is also capable of popping up in the opponent’s box and contributing goals and assists.
"Cucurella is being massively overlooked by Liverpool in their search for a left-back, but I doubt Chelsea would be keen to let him go."
Cucurella is contracted to the Blues till 2028, having arrived at the club in a reported deal worth £63 million.
What's next for Chelsea and Liverpool?
Reds boss Arne Slot" srcset="https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2025/05/9ace6-17473039894334-1920.jpg?w=190 190w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2025/05/9ace6-17473039894334-1920.jpg?w=720 720w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2025/05/9ace6-17473039894334-1920.jpg?w=640 640w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2025/05/9ace6-17473039894334-1920.jpg?w=1045 1045w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2025/05/9ace6-17473039894334-1920.jpg?w=1200 1200w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2025/05/9ace6-17473039894334-1920.jpg?w=1460 1460w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2025/05/9ace6-17473039894334-1920.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2025/05/9ace6-17473039894334-1920.jpg 1920w">
Reds boss Arne Slot
Both Liverpool and Chelsea are having solid seasons. While the Reds have won the Premier League, the Blues are in the UEFA Europa Conference League final, standing on the cusp of victory.
Before looking to become the first team to win all three major European club competitions, Maresca' side - coming off a 2-0 loss at Newcastle United - next take on Manchester United at home on Friday (May 16).
Meanwhile, Slot's Reds - following a 2-2 home draw with 10-man Arsenal last weekend - will seek a return to winning ways when they visit Brighton on Monday (May 19).
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Bhargav is a veteran sports journalist and editor at Sportskeeda, with a rich professional experience of 17 years, working for the likes of Siemens and Bombay Dyeing. An avid football and tennis follower for over three decades, Bhargav uses his vast knowledge and experience, attention to detail, an unbiased yet interesting writing style, and thorough research to craft insightful articles, which have raked in over 18 million reads so far.
Bhargav supports Italy at national level, a team steeped in tradition and history according to him. He still harbors the heartbreak from the Azzurri’s 1994 FIFA World Cup final defeat against Brazil, and protagonist-turned-antagonist from the game, ‘Divine Ponytail’ Roberto Baggio is his all-time favorite player. His favorite manager is Marcelo Lippi, who ended Italy’s 24-year wait for the World Cup trophy, winning it in 2006.
Outside Europe’s top five leagues, he follows the MLS following Lionel Messi’s move in 2023 but favors Cristiano Ronaldo in the G.O.A.T. debate. During his free time, Bhargav enjoys driving off to new places and singing.
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