Liverpool’s pursuit of Milos Kerkez could accelerate after AFC Bournemouth reportedly agreed a deal to sign a new left-back. Adrien Truffert is said to be close to joining the Cherries in a deal believed to be worth around £14million.
Kerkez is widely expected to arrive at Liverpool as part of their plans to bolster Arne Slot’s squad for next season. Right-back Jeremie Frimpong has already joined from Bayer Leverkusen, while the Reds are thought to be in the closing stages of agreeing a move for attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz from the same club. An upgrade at left-back is high on the agenda, with Kerkez believed to be the top target for the position.
Having impressed during his two years on the south coast, the 21-year-old seemed to move a step closer to joining Liverpool when it was confirmed that he had left Hungary’s international camp for their matches this week.
According to Sky Sports News, Bournemouth are now understood to be signing a replacement imminently. Truffert will arrive from Rennes, whom he captains, in a £14m deal.
That would likely allow Kerkez to complete a move to Liverpool, although The Times report that the Anfield outfit are attempting to bring down Bournemouth’s £45m asking price. The former AC Milan and AZ Alkmaar defender has been allowed to leave Hungary’s camp for ‘personal reasons’.
An attacking full-back, Kerkez provided five assists and scored two goals for Bournemouth last season. His potential signing is part of wider plans to bolster Liverpool’s back four. Frimpong has replaced Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has joined Real Madrid, while some reports suggest that Slot could next strengthen his depth at centre-back.
Liverpool’s Premier League title success has made them a hugely attractive proposition for prospective signings. Should Wirtz arrive on Merseyside over the coming weeks, his deal is expected to smash the club’s record transfer fee.
Slot may not stop there in the pursuit of back-to-back Premier League titles and further honours. Knowing that Liverpool’s rivals will spend big in an attempt to topple their dominance of the league has prompted the Dutchman to bolster his ranks.
Speaking in May, the Liverpool boss said: "City will probably strengthen the squad again. If the rumours are correct, Arsenal is planning the same, so it would be stupid if we are not looking at trying to strengthen the squad as well.
"Again, I've said it many times, it's not that easy because this team has already won the league. So to find players that can strengthen us - that might not be that difficult - because there are certain players in the world where I think, 'if they would come, it would be nice'.”