David Ornstein
Athletic FC Podcast
Liverpool’s pursuit of Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez appears to be reaching its conclusion, with multiple developments this week suggesting the £45 million transfer is imminent.
The 22-year-old Hungarian international has become Liverpool’s primary target to strengthen the left-back position.
The clearest indication that Kerkez’s departure is inevitable came with the Cherries’ move to secure his replacement.
Bournemouth have agreed a deal to sign Adrien Truffert from Rennes as their new left-back.
Another possible telling sign that a deal is close came with Kerkez’s departure from Hungary’s national team camp.
Hungary head coach Marco Rossi confirmed that Kerkez would not be part of the squad for their friendly against Sweden, citing “various problems” without divulging specific details.
The Hungarian Football Association later released a statement explaining that “Milos Kerkez left the men’s A-team training camp in Telki for private reasons, so he will not travel with the team to Baku, the venue of the match against Azerbaijan.”
Many fans online immediately started assuming it was for a medical or something related to his transfer to Liverpool.
Now, writing in the Transfer Dealsheet, David Ornstein revealed that new meetings will be held this week to finalise the transfer:
“Meetings are expected between Bournemouth, Liverpool and Milos Kerkez’s representatives this week.”
“There is a very good chance that agreements are reached for the left-back to transfer to Anfield.”
Bournemouth are understood to be demanding a fee of £45 million for the Hungarian international.
Signing Kerkez would strengthen Liverpool’s long-term options at left-back, increasing competition for Andy Robertson and casting doubt over the future of Kostas Tsimikas, whose role at the club is now not clear.
The left-back was one of only six outfield players to start every Premier League game last season, accumulating more minutes than any other Bournemouth player