Liverpool targeted Nuno Mendes before Milos Kerkez signing

Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes initially wanted PSG left-back Nuno Mendes before the club signed Milos Kerkez last summer, according to The Athletic. The 24-year-old defender ultimately stayed in Paris by signing a new long-term contract until 2029.

  • Player: Nuno Mendes, 24, left-back
  • Club: Paris Saint-Germain
  • Liverpool interest: Before signing Milos Kerkez last summer
  • Outcome: Mendes signed a new PSG contract until 2029
  • Valuation: Around £69m per Transfermarkt
  • Alternative: Liverpool bought Milos Kerkez from AFC Bournemouth

Deal details

According to The Athletic, Liverpool believed securing Nuno Mendes would be feasible. The Portuguese international was viewed as the ideal option to strengthen the left-back position. However, Mendes decided to stay at PSG and signed a new long-term deal until 2029. As a result, Liverpool turned to Milos Kerkez from AFC Bournemouth. Mendes is valued at around £69m by Transfermarkt.

The numbers

  • Appearances (last season): 40 across all competitions
  • Goals: 6
  • Assists: 7
  • Clean sheets: 7
  • Transfermarkt valuation: £69m
  • Contract at PSG: Until 2029
  • Trophies at PSG: Five Ligue 1 titles, two Champions League trophies

Why Liverpool’s left-back search continues

Nuno Mendes would have been a marquee addition. He is attack-minded, comfortable at left wing-back, quick, strong, technically sound and able to dribble past opponents in tight areas. His crossing, powerful shooting and defensive contributions made him an ideal modern full-back for Liverpool’s system. The fact that Richard Hughes identified him first shows the calibre Liverpool were targeting.

Instead, Milos Kerkez arrived from AFC Bournemouth but endured a disappointing debut campaign last term. This season, the former Bournemouth star has continued to look shaky. Meanwhile, Andrew Robertson left for free this summer, and Kostas Tsimikas stayed to support Kerkez after a season-long loan at AS Roma. However, Tsimikas has entered the final year of his contract. Liverpool might have to sign a new left-back next year.

The situation leaves Liverpool with a short-term reliance on Kerkez and Tsimikas, but long-term uncertainty. If Kerkez cannot find consistency, the club may revisit the market for a left-back sooner than planned. Mendes remains at PSG until 2029, so any future move would require a significant fee and the player’s willingness to leave. For now, Liverpool must make do with their current options.

Talking points

  • Should Liverpool have pushed harder for Nuno Mendes instead of settling for Milos Kerkez last summer?
  • Is Milos Kerkez being judged too harshly after just one season at Anfield?
  • With Kostas Tsimikas in the final year of his contract, do Liverpool need a new left-back next year?
  • Would PSG ever sell Mendes before 2029 given his importance to their project?

What happens next

Liverpool must decide whether to persist with Milos Kerkez or enter the market for a new left-back next year. Kostas Tsimikas’s contract situation will also force a decision. The club’s scouts may continue to monitor left-back options, but Nuno Mendes is tied to PSG until 2029. Liverpool’s next matches will show whether Kerkez can repay the faith shown in him.

Frequently asked questions

Did Liverpool try to sign Nuno Mendes?

Yes. According to The Athletic, Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes initially targeted Nuno Mendes before signing Milos Kerkez last summer.

Why did Liverpool sign Milos Kerkez instead of Nuno Mendes?

Mendes decided to stay at PSG by signing a new long-term contract until 2029, so Liverpool bought Milos Kerkez from AFC Bournemouth instead.

How much is Nuno Mendes worth?

Nuno Mendes is valued at around £69m by Transfermarkt, according to the source article.

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