After their 2-1 victory against Aston Villa, Manchester City now have a strong chance of qualifying for the Champions League next season and remain the favourites to win the FA Cup.
While City’s campaign pales in comparison to Liverpool as they are in touching distance of winning the Premier League, Champions League qualification and a potential triumph in the FA Cup could make them an attractive destination for players to join.
Furthermore, as well as Arne Slot has fared in his debut season at Anfield, a case can be made that no manager in Premier League history is the serial winner that Pep Guardiola has proven to be.
Both clubs are going head-to-head to sign players, with Liverpool leading the race to sign Xavi Simons who is admired by Manchester City as well.
Pep Guardiola and Arne Slot could be in need of signing a left-back in the summer and one name who has come to light is Milos Kerkez.
Man City keen on signing Liverpool target Milos Kerkez
With Josko Gvardiol and Nathan Ake primarily playing at left-back for the Sky Blues, Guardiola’s claim that Manchester City have enough centre-backs not to make any new signings does not suggest that they may not target a player like Kerkez — who is a natural left-back and has a similar playing style to Liverpool legend Andy Robertson.
With Nico O’Reilly has impressed Pep Guardiola, he is a number 10 by trade — which suggests why Liverpool target Milos Kerkez’s name has been linked to Manchester City.
Sky Sports journalist Lyall Thomas confirmed City’s interest in the Hungarian international as well as the Reds’ and Real Madrid.
In his full report for Sky Sports, the journalist added that Kerkez is expected to decide his future soon.
The 21-year-old would like to a key player regardless of which club he ends up signing for and for Liverpool, he is a priority signing.
How Milos Kerkez could reignite Phil Foden
Both Manchester City and Liverpool’s respective keenness towards signing Kerkez is logical — with the Sky Blues lacking a natural left-back on their books and Andy Robertson, 30 ageing.
From City’s point of view, the AFC Bournemouth defender — who The Times reported will be valued at £45 million would be a terrific signing, as he is Premier League-proven, young, athletic, a brilliant crosser of the ball and quick.
However, one reason why Kerkez would be a success at the Etihad Stadium if he says yes to a move is how he could reignite Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden’s form — allowing him to drift inside as an inside forward — much like Josko Gvardiol did last season while running in behind defences to get on the end of his incisive passes.
With Pep Guardiola being in contact with Florian Wirtz and Hugo Viana being a fan of Morgan Gibbs-White, how Foden fits into the picture will be a question if City sign one or two attacking midfielders.
One way of doing so would be to deploy the Englishman as an inside forward and with Kerkez bombing down the left flank, the pair could form a dangerous duo down that side.
