Murphy urges Liverpool to target Newcastle left‑back Lewis Hall as Kerkez deemed backup

Liverpool face a looming vacancy at left‑back after Andy Robertson’s contract expires this summer. The club spent £40 million last window on Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth, yet former player Danny Murphy doubts the Hungarian can anchor a title‑challenging side.

Murphy told Betarades that Kerkez “is a trier and he’s improved, but he’s not at the level Liverpool need to win league titles and Champions League.” He added that the player is likely an understudy, suitable only as a backup when the schedule stretches to 60 matches across competitions.

The former England midfielder highlighted Lewis Hall as a more viable long‑term solution. Hall, a 22‑year‑old left‑back, logged regular Premier League minutes for Newcastle and emerged as one of the Magpies’ “shining lights” this season. Murphy warned that securing Hall may require a premium over his current valuation, but stressed the importance of acquiring a player with top‑flight experience.

Newcastle’s campaign ended without European qualification, prompting speculation that key assets such as Hall, Sandro Tonali or Anthony Gordon could be sold to balance the books. While Hall has not been linked with a move, the club’s financial pressure makes a transfer plausible.

For Liverpool, the decision hinges on balancing immediate depth with long‑term quality. Retaining Kerkez as a squad player while targeting Hall could provide the necessary cover for a congested season. However, the £40 million outlay on Kerkez already strains the wage bill, and an additional fee for Hall would test the club’s transfer budget.

If Liverpool pursue Hall, they would replicate their successful Newcastle raid that delivered striker Alexander Isak last summer. Conversely, failing to act could leave the Reds reliant on an unproven Kerkez and a free‑transfer Robertson, potentially weakening their defensive stability.

What it means: Liverpool’s left‑back market is set to intensify this summer. Watch for official statements on Kerkez’s role and any bid activity on Lewis Hall as the transfer window approaches.