Forget Alphonso Davies - Liverpool should hijack Man United's transfer move for £29m gem instead

Liverpool have some big decisions looming on the horizon as they continue to plan ahead for their future under Arne Slot. This summer saw very little action compared to the level of speculation surrounding Jurgen Klopp’s exit, with many suggesting there could be a player exodus following the former boss out the door.

But after free agents Joël Matip, Thiago and Adrián all left the club, business was limited for the Reds. Fringe players Fábio Carvalho and Sepp van den Berg were the only other players sold over the summer, while Federico Chiesa became the sole arrival. Second signing and new goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili will link up with his new club once the season ends.

While Arne Slot is unlikely to allow any significant players to leave in January, it will probably be a very different tale in the summer. The main talking point over the last few months has been the future of those approaching the end of their contracts — Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah. Caoimhin Kelleher has also been linked with an exit as he searches for a regular No.1 role after his impressive stand-in performances for Alisson once again.

The squad Slot inherited from Klopp had been carefully hand-picked through clever transfers, blockbuster purchases and careful youth selection. An ideal blend of seniority and rising stars kept Liverpool’s main foundations solid for years, but now conversations are being had about veteran players leaving. Van Dijk, 33, Alisson, 32, Salah 32 and Andy Robertson, 30.

All four players will go down in club history as some of the best signings Liverpool have ever made. Unfortunately, all players must eventually leave one way or another, and the Reds are starting to consider their plans to prepare for when that time comes. Robertson especially has been discussed in the media lately, as the Reds are on the market for new left-back options.

A number of names have been thrown into the mix lately as Liverpool plan for their eventual first choice left-back. Kostas Tsimikas has been a solid back-up to the Scotland captain over the years but the Greece international’s future is also being discussed.

While the Reds consider potential new options, we’ve taken a look at who could fit the bill best. There are several candidates to discuss but based on the report that Liverpool ‘are desperate’ to tie Robertson down to a new deal, it suggests they don’t plan on dropping him any time soon, and he remains an integral part of the team.

One of the main names being linked to Anfield is Alphonso Davies, who is a very appealing target for multiple reasons. Not only is he a serial trophy winner and one of the main faces of Canadian international football, he will be available to sign for free in the summer. However, a player of such calibre will arrive at a new club and expect to walk into his new role without much competition.

Davies has established himself as a crucial part of Bayern Munich’s team and if Liverpool are keen to keep going with Robertson, someone is going to end up disappointed. It’s highly unlikely a 24-year-old who captains his national team will be satisfied operating as rotational player.

It may mean missing out on an incredible free move for the €50 million (£41m)-rated left-back but there are plenty of other options for the Reds to explore without breaking the bank.

A player Liverpool could consider is Miguel Gutiérrez, who has been targeted by Manchester United. TEAMtalk has reported that current club Girona would be looking for €35 million (£29m) for the 23-year-old but as he has ‘asked to be sold’, it could force the club to accept a lower fee.

Gutiérrez has won the Champions League with Real Madrid so he has senior experience for a young player. But he has also been rotated throughout competitions with Girona, so he will understand the importance of squads having multiple options in one position.

If Liverpool want to keep Robertson as their main choice at left-back, a younger player like Gutiérrez, still very much learning his trade, could benefit from serving as deputy while he earns his stripes at a title-challenging club to eventually work his way up.