Liverpool discover price to bring Man Utd disappointment back to England as Slot seeks to replace Klopp favorite

Benfica’s Álvaro Fernández Carreras is reportedly a target for Liverpool manager Arne Slot.

Liverpool is seriously considering signing a new left-back in January, especially with Benfica indicating their asking price for Carreras. Slot is eager to bring the Spanish left-back back to the Premier League. The 21-year-old joined Benfica this summer after an initial loan, following a stint at Manchester United where he struggled to make an impact. The decision by United to let him go for just €6m (£5m, $6.5m) now seems questionable, given their long-standing issues in that position over the past 18 months.

After loan spells at Preston North End and Granada, the progress Carreras has made since moving to Portugal might have surprised those at Old Trafford. Under Bruno Lage’s management, he has become a key player for Benfica, shining in the Champions League this season.

However, Benfica may now face challenges in keeping Carreras shortly after making his signing permanent. While Manchester United has been linked to bringing him back, recent reports from Spain suggest that both Barcelona and Real Madrid have taken notice of his performances and view him as a potential target.

Over the weekend, Carreras was also connected with a surprising move to Liverpool. It has been reported that Slot admires him and sees him as a potential long-term successor to Andy Robertson, who at 30 is not performing at the same level he did under Jürgen Klopp. According to the Portuguese outlet O Jogo, Benfica is aware of Liverpool’s interest but has stated that any deal must match the €50m (£41.8m, $54.6m) release clause in his contract.

Liverpool view Bournemouth star as potential successor to Robertson.

According to the report, Liverpool scouts attended a recent match where Carreras excelled for Benfica in their impressive 4-0 Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid. They are now convinced that the 21-year-old would fit perfectly into their system.

With Kostas Tsimikas viewed primarily as squad depth and not a regular starter, Slot sees Carreras as an ideal long-term successor. However, Benfica’s insistence on their full asking price might pose a challenge, prompting Slot and his team to consider alternatives.

They are closely monitoring Fulham’s Antonee Robinson, who has emerged as one of the top left-backs in the Premier League. Additionally, Liverpool has shown strong interest in Bournemouth’s Hungarian full-back Milos Kerkez, who has impressed since his move from AZ Alkmaar in July 2023.

Both Manchester United and Arsenal have also kept an eye on Kerkez, and sources indicate that Bournemouth expects offers for the 21-year-old in the upcoming winter window or by next summer. Manager Hughes, who initially signed him from the Eredivisie, is contemplating bringing him in again.