Liverpool should hold off on Milos Kerkez signing and take a proper look at ‘fantastic’ academy youngster instead

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Liverpool look certain to be in the market for a new starting left-back during 2025.

The Reds have been secure on the left of their defence for the past seven years, with Andy Robertson becoming one of the best in his position on the planet.

But with Robertson starting to show signs of decline, it’s clear that Liverpool need to plan for the future.

Kostas Tsmikas has had a good season and has always been a decent back-up option for the Reds. But Tsimikas is regularly linked with an exit and at 28 cannot be considered a long-term fit.

As a result, Liverpool appear set to look towards the transfer window for answers. Milos Kerkez has emerged as a front-runner in that regard.

However, while Kerkez would feel like a good fit, Liverpool should not discount the possibility that Owen Beck comes back and pushes hard for a starting berth.

Owen Beck deserves a chance at Liverpool

There have been high hopes for Beck at Liverpool for a little while. The Welshman came through alongside Conor Bradley in 2021.

From there, while Bradley flew on-loan at Bolton, Beck struggled to find the right club to showcase his considerable talents.

But after an excellent campaign with Dundee last season, the 22-year-old is now starting to show his quality on a regular basis in the Championship.

Beck’s latest showing was a terrific performance for Blackburn Rovers against Leeds United on New Year’s Day.

READ MORE: Three Liverpool players who badly need to be loaned out in January including ‘special’ youngster

The Lancashire Telegraph gave Beck a nine out of 10, claiming that he was ‘really good’ up against the lightning pace of Dan James during the 1-1 draw.

Having now played 16 times for 7th-placed Blackburn, the Liverpool academy graduate has forced his way into John Eustace’s starting XI and that should attract the interest of his parent club.

Beck and Bradley on the wings in 2025?

Although most fans would still prefer Liverpool to move for someone like Kerkez rather than promote Beck, we don’t share that view.

After recalling him midway through his loan at Dundee last season, Pep Lijnders raved about Beck’s days in the academy.

“Two years ago Owen Beck and Conor Bradley in the second team, the right side, the left side, they dominated the complete channel, offensively and defensively,” said the former Liverpool assistant manager.

Given what’s going on with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Bradley could be set for a big role under Arne Slot next season.

And owing to the situation at left-back, there should be a chance that his partner in crime from the academy has a similar ascent at the other side of the pitch. Don’t sleep on Owen!