Milos Kerkez
Photo by Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images
Liverpool are intensifying their pursuit of Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez as manager Arne Slot looks to reinforce his defensive options for next season.
The 21-year-old Hungarian international has emerged as the primary target to eventually replace Andy Robertson according to widespread reports, with talks expected to accelerate in the coming weeks and months.
Kerkez, who joined Bournemouth from AZ Alkmaar in July 2023, has been one of the standout young defenders in the Premier League this season, starting all 28 games for the Cherries.
His combination of defensive reliability and attacking threat has drawn admiration from several elite clubs
It has already been reported that Kerkez will hold crucial talks with his representatives this international break to discuss his future.
The left-back recently changed agents and is now represented by Fali Ramidani, who notably facilitated Federico Chiesa’s move to Liverpool last summer.
This connection could potentially smooth negotiations between the clubs.
Despite having Kerkez under contract until 2028, there is a growing acceptance at Bournemouth that the defender will likely depart from Vitality Stadium this summer3. The Cherries are in a strong negotiating position but understand the difficulty in retaining a player being pursued by Champions League clubs.
Bournemouth would liklely want around three times the £15.5 million they paid AZ for the Hungary international in 2023. This places his valuation at approximately £40-46.5 million – a significant investment, but one Liverpool appear prepared to make.
Bournemouth owner Bil Foley on Milos Kerkez:
“We have a lot of our players under long-term contracts and most do not have a release clause.”
“We never stand in the way of a player in the event they have an opportunity they feel is a better opportunity, but we’re trying to make… pic.twitter.com/goNa2M3vYk
— DaveOCKOP (@DaveOCKOP) March 13, 2025
Now The Hungarian international is also close friends with current Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai7, potentially easing any transition to Merseyside.
At just 21 years old, Kerkez represents a long-term investment for the Reds, aligning with the club’s preference for signing young talent with room for development.
Now a new report has emerged from the iPaper, with reporter Mark Douglas claiming that the Reds have made contact for the Hungarian – something Fabrizio Romano has also reported.
Furthermore, it’s asserted that Anfield is the destination of choice for the left-back, with the report asserting that he favours a move to the Reds over other suitors like Man City, Man United, Arsenal, and Real Madrid.
With Liverpool currently sitting atop the Premier League table and looking toward a potentially busy summer transfer window, securing Kerkez’s signature would represent the first major step in Arne Slot’s reshaping of the squad for continued success.
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