Liverpool’s pursuit of Bournemouth’s 21-year-old left-back Milos Kerkez has taken center stage as the Reds aim to bolster their squad for the 2025-26 season, fresh off their Premier League title triumph. The Hungarian international has emerged as a top priority for manager Arne Slot, with the club locked in a transfer battle against Manchester City and facing additional interest from Real Madrid and other European giants. Kerkez’s blend of attacking flair, defensive solidity, and Premier League experience makes him an ideal fit for Liverpool’s ambitions, but securing his signature will require navigating a complex negotiation landscape and meeting Bournemouth’s £45m valuation.
Since joining Bournemouth from AZ Alkmaar in 2023 for £15.5m, Kerkez has developed into one of the Premier League’s standout young defenders. In the 2024-25 season, he has made 37 appearances for the Cherries, contributing two goals and five assists while averaging 1.9 tackles, 2.1 clearances, and 5.6 ball recoveries per game. His ability to surge forward, deliver pinpoint crosses, and maintain defensive discipline has drawn comparisons to Liverpool’s current left-back, Andy Robertson. With Robertson turning 31 in March 2025, Liverpool see Kerkez as a long-term successor who can initially provide competition and depth, especially as backup left-back Kostas Tsimikas is linked with a potential exit.
The Reds’ interest is spearheaded by sporting director Richard Hughes, who played a pivotal role in bringing Kerkez to Bournemouth during his time as the club’s technical director. This prior relationship could give Liverpool an advantage in negotiations, with reports suggesting that Kerkez favors a move to Anfield over Manchester City. Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that talks over personal terms are advancing, with the player “excited” about the prospect of joining the Premier League champions. However, Bournemouth are in no rush to sell, buoyed by their financial stability following the £50m sale of Dean Huijsen to PSG. The Cherries have set a £45m price tag, a figure Liverpool have yet to meet with an official bid.
Manchester City’s interest adds significant competition. Pep Guardiola’s side, seeking a reliable left-back after rotating players like Josko Gvardiol and Nathan Aké in the role, view Kerkez as a dynamic addition to their squad. Real Madrid’s interest, while less concrete, looms as a potential threat, though their focus reportedly lies elsewhere. Posts on X reflect a divide among fans, with some Liverpool supporters praising Kerkez’s “electric” performances, while others question his readiness for a top club after Bournemouth’s 3-1 defeat to Manchester City, where he struggled defensively. One X user noted, “Kerkez has the tools, but £45m for a player who can’t lock down a mid-table side’s defense is steep.”
Kerkez’s international pedigree adds to his appeal. With 37 caps for Hungary and a starring role at Euro 2024, he has proven his ability to perform on big stages. His metrics, including a 56% tackle success rate and 0.7 successful dribbles per game, highlight his versatility, fitting Slot’s system that demands full-backs contribute to both phases of play. At Liverpool, Kerkez would likely rotate with Robertson initially, learning from the veteran while adapting to the club’s high-pressing style. The potential signing of Jeremie Frimpong for the right-back role suggests Liverpool are prioritizing dynamic full-backs to maintain their tactical edge.
However, challenges persist. A reported January 2025 comment from Kerkez stating, “I will not go to Liverpool,” during a YouTube live stream raised eyebrows, though recent updates suggest he has warmed to the move.
This discrepancy may reflect a change of heart or a misquoted statement, but it has fueled skepticism among some fans. Bournemouth’s reluctance to lower their asking price, combined with Liverpool’s interest in alternatives like Ajax’s Jorrel Hato, indicates the Reds are keeping their options open. The club’s transfer strategy, which also includes pursuits of players like Florian Wirtz and Tomás Araújo, underscores their intent to build a squad capable of sustaining domestic and European dominance.
As the transfer window nears, Kerkez’s potential move to Liverpool remains a focal point. His arrival would signal the club’s commitment to blending youth with experience, ensuring they remain competitive in the post-Klopp era under Slot’s guidance.
Whether Liverpool can outbid Manchester City and convince Bournemouth to part with their star defender will determine if Kerkez dons the famous red jersey at Anfield next season.
