Liverpool prepare to face West Ham United in the Premier League and one player for the opposition could appeal if the Hammers are relegated.
The writing appears to be on the wall for one Liverpool exit at the end of the season.
Given that Andy Robertson entertained a January departure, with Tottenham Hotspur showing interest, it’s difficult to see a change of mindset from the Reds veteran. In truth, he cannot be blamed. Robertson turns 32 in April and knows he is now entering the latter stages of his career.
There is no doubt that Robertson has etched himself into Anfield folklore. Many supporters will regard him as Liverpool’s greatest left-back. After moving to Merseyside in 2017, he helped the Reds return to the pinnacle of European football. Robertson was central to two Premier League titles, a Champions League crown, two Carabao Cups, the FA Cup and a Club World Cup.
However, when Milos Kerkez arrived last summer, Robertson may have sensed that his time as first choice was nearing its conclusion. Liverpool paid £40 million for Kerkez from AFC Bournemouth and he has been the preferred option for the vast majority of the campaign. There were calls for Robertson to retain the No.1 spot at the start of the season as Kerkez struggled to adapt to his new surroundings. But after settling, the Hungary international has firmly established himself as first choice.
Signed for £8 million, Robertson ranks among Liverpool’s best bargain buys. There was initial hesitancy when he arrived from Hull City, who had been relegated from the Premier League prior to his move. Robertson also required a settling-in period before helping the Reds reach the Champions League final in his maiden campaign.
Arne Slot will know he requires reliable depth behind Kerkez next term. Kostas Tsimikas, currently on loan at AS Roma, remains an option with a year left on his deal. But Slot may seek an upgrade.
Signing Robertson from a relegated side proved no issue for Liverpool. Should West Ham United drop into the Championship, several of their players could look to move on. One of those may be El Hadji Malick Diouf.
The 21-year-old joined West Ham last summer from Slavia Prague for £19 million, having previously been linked with Liverpool. Despite adjusting to arguably the toughest league in the world, Diouf has been a regular for the Hammers.
He has made 21 appearances, 19 of them starts, and recorded four assists. No defender in the Premier League has created more goals. In addition, Diouf was a key figure in Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations-winning campaign earlier this year.
The Telegraph recently ranked Diouf 16th in its list of the top 20 Premier League signings this season.
Liverpool have struggled at times to break down low blocks, which has contributed to a disappointing title defence. There is little reason to believe that challenge will disappear next term, and Diouf’s attacking qualities would offer an alternative option to Kerkez. With Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong providing attacking thrust from right-back, adding Diouf would create similar competition on the opposite flank.
Yet while he is naturally forward-thinking, Diouf has also demonstrated defensive resilience. In West Ham’s 0-0 draw with AFC Bournemouth last weekend, he won 13 of his 17 duels, made five clearances, seven recoveries and one interception. According to Sofascore, he earned an 8.5 rating and was man of the match.
In truth, if West Ham avoid relegation, Diouf is unlikely to depart. But should the Hammers suffer the drop, sales may be required to ease financial pressure. As one of their prized assets, Diouf could be among those sacrificed. Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes may well be monitoring the situation closely ahead of West Ham’s visit to Anfield.
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