Curtis Jones issue identified at Liverpool as Andy Robertson faces huge decision

Liverpool could be in for a summer of change as Arne Slot looks to improve his squad – but the Reds have a few issues to sort out before they can start planning for next season

Arne Slot could be facing a defensive problem this summer as rumours swirl about the possible departures of Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Andy Robertson. This duo has been nothing short of sensational at the heart of Liverpool’s defence for several years, amassing 28 goals and 123 assists in the Premier League together.

The full-backs boast close to 700 outings altogether for the Reds, and their trophy collection includes the Champions League, FA Cup, and a Premier League title. But with the news that Alexander-Arnold might be on his way to Real Madrid on a free transfer, Slot is under pressure to examine his present and potential options for those key roles.

At the moment, it’s midfielder Curtis Jones who’s been stepping in as a makeshift full-back following Alexander-Arnold’s absence – due to an ankle injury sustained during Liverpool’s Champions League loss to PSG.

However, Alan Shearer isn’t completely sold on Jones’ viability as a lasting solution in the right-back slot. Speaking to Betfair, the Premier League top scorer said: “Liverpool only have eight games left. They probably only need to win six of them. They’ll go on and win the Premier League, and Trent looks to be on the way out, so they’ll be looking for a new right-back.”

Shearer mentioned that Conor Bradley could be considered an alternative following his fill-in performances for Alexander-Arnold, which included scoring his first Liverpool goal in a 4-1 thrashing of Chelsea back in January.

He added: “But as I said before, Conor Bradley is already on the scene, and we know what he can do. Curtis Jones may be the answer short-term, but he’s not a right-back.

“His best position is as a midfielder but I guess there’s no doubt he can do a job at right-back. Long-term, there’s no doubt that Curtis Jones is not a right-back.”

The defensive concerns at Slot aren’t just about Alexander-Arnold. There’s speculation that Robertson could depart too, if the Reds recruit Bournemouth’s left-back Milos Kerkez.

The 21-year-old Cherries star has made quite the impact with Andoni Iraola’s team, positioning himself as the potential heir to the Scottish defender.

Shearer said: “Every player has a shelf-life, whether that be at a club or your career in general. Whether Liverpool think Andy Robertson needs replacing, the reports sound like they do need and want a left-back for next season so it wouldn’t surprise me if they do sign one. Whether that’s Milos Kerkez or someone else.

“You have a decision to make as a player where you either roll your sleeves up and give someone great competition or you accept decisions and say that your time is done. Only Andy will know that.”

Slot faces the additional task of tying down club captain Virgil van Dijk before his contract expires this summer. After Liverpool’s exit from the Champions League, Van Dijk confessed that despite ongoing talks, his future at Anfield remains up in the air.

Speaking candidly about the contract situation, the 33-year-old defender said: “I have no idea at the moment. Genuinely, I still have no idea. It is not on hold. Nothing on hold. There are 10 games to go and that is my full focus. If there is news you guys will know it. I don’t even know myself.

“Everyone knows there are some conversations behind the scenes but that is about it. At the moment I don’t even know what will happen next year. If anyone says they do know, they are lying to your face.”