Renowned journalist Paul Joyce has provided crucial details about Milos Kerkez’s £40 million transfer to Liverpool, filling in gaps left by the club’s official announcement on June 26, 2025. While Liverpool’s website confirmed the 21-year-old Hungarian left-back’s move from Bournemouth, describing it as a “long-term contract,” it omitted specifics about the deal’s duration and structure. Joyce, writing for The Times, clarified that Kerkez signed a five-year contract, set to run until 2030, offering insight into Liverpool’s long-term vision for the player under Arne Slot.
Joyce’s report, shared via a post on X, highlighted that the £40 million fee—making Kerkez Liverpool’s most expensive full-back ever—includes add-ons, with Bournemouth initially seeking £45 million but settling closer to the lower figure.
The transfer, facilitated by sporting director Richard Hughes, who signed Kerkez for Bournemouth from AZ Alkmaar in 2023, marks Liverpool’s third major signing this summer, following Florian Wirtz (£116m) and Jeremie Frimpong (£29.5m).
The club’s spending, now at £187 million with Ármin Pécsi’s £1.5m addition, reflects their aggressive squad rebuild, offset by Jarell Quansah’s £35 million sale to Bayer Leverkusen.
Kerkez, who started all 38 Premier League games for Bournemouth last season, contributing two goals and six assists, is seen as a dynamic successor to Andy Robertson, whose future is uncertain with Atlético Madrid’s interest and a recent ACL injury sidelining him for six to nine months.
Joyce noted that Kerkez’s arrival is to compete with Robertson initially, not replace him, with his 169 ball recoveries and 142 crosses showcasing his fit for Slot’s high-pressing system. The Hungarian’s enthusiasm was evident in his first words to Liverpool’s website: “It’s a real honour to play for the biggest club in England.”
Fans on X have praised Joyce for providing clarity, with one posting, “Paul Joyce always delivers the details LFC holds back!” However, some expressed frustration over the club’s vague announcement, questioning why key terms were omitted.
The deal’s structure, per Joyce, underscores Liverpool’s strategy to secure young, high-potential talents, though concerns linger about squad depth with Robertson’s injury and Ibrahima Konaté’s rumored interest from Real Madrid. As Liverpool eye Crystal Palace’s Marc Guéhi next, Joyce’s insights highlight their calculated approach to sustaining Premier League dominance.
