Bournemouth have seemingly already done their transfer business to replace the outgoing Milos Kerkez this summer.
Image Credits: Getty Images
Liverpool’s chase for Milos Kerkez appears to be a reaching a conclusion, with Bournemouth now lining up a replacement for the left-back.
The 22-year-old defender’s exit from Hungary’s training base in Telki on June 7 sparked immediate speculation, with national team coach Marco Rossi citing “private reasons” for his absence from friendlies against Sweden and Azerbaijan.
This development aligns with David Ornstein’s revelation that “meetings are expected between Bournemouth, Liverpool, and Kerkez’s representatives this week” to finalize terms.
Bournemouth’s firm £45 million valuation is said to have has dominated negotiations, though Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes appears close to brokering a compromise involving performance-based add-ons.
Kerkez’s potential arrival at Anfield would address Arne Slot’s need for long-term competition for Andy Robertson, with current deputy Kostas Tsimikas likely to depart.
The Hungarian arrives with some serious Premier League pedigree having started all 38 games last season, contributing five assists and ranking among the division’s top crossers.
As Liverpool edge closer to sealing the deal, Bournemouth have moved decisively to fill the impending void.
French outlet Le Parisien reports that the Cherries finalized a €17 million deal with Rennes for 23-year-old left-back Adrien Truffert, including performance bonuses and a sell-on clause.
The French international, capped once by Didier Deschamps, arrives on a five-year contract after rejecting extension talks at Roazhon Park.
For the Cherries, the €17 million outlay on Truffert represents shrewd business – a £28 million net gain if Kerkez departs for the reported £45 million fee.
With Truffert scheduled for medical tests in England this week, Bournemouth have effectively greenlit Kerkez’s departure.
Liverpool could now face the logistical challenge of formalizing the deal before Tuesday’s temporary transfer window closure for Club World Cup registrations – but there is no rush as the club is not participating in the tournament this summer.