David Ornstein: Milos Kerkez Prioritizing Liverpool Move, Reds Make Him Top Target
Liverpool appear to be moving closer to strengthening their left-back position, with Milos Kerkez emerging as a top priority for the club this summer. According to trusted journalist David Ornstein, the Bournemouth defender is keen on a move to Anfield, and Liverpool have placed him high on their transfer list following the expected arrival of Jeremie Frimpong on the opposite flank.
Key Takeaways:
- Kerkez wants Liverpool: Ornstein confirmed that the Hungary international prioritizes a move to Liverpool, even though it’s not a done deal yet.
- Liverpool are leading: Fabrizio Romano previously stated that Liverpool are in “very positive contact” with the player’s agent and are leading the race to sign him.
- Other clubs interested: Real Madrid and Manchester City are tracking Kerkez but don’t view him as a top option, giving Liverpool a potential edge.
- No formal bid yet: Talks between clubs are not advanced, but the situation could shift quickly if Liverpool meet Bournemouth’s asking price.
- Move expected, not imminent: While a transfer is likely this summer, it may take time as Liverpool weigh their next steps under new sporting director Richard Hughes.
Kerkez, only 20 years old, impressed in his debut Premier League season with Bournemouth and would provide much-needed depth and competition for Andy Robertson on the left side of defense.
Absolutely — the Kerkez-to-Liverpool transfer is shaping up as one of the more realistic deals this summer, even if it’s not imminent.
Why Kerkez Seems Attainable for Liverpool:
- Mutual interest: Both Liverpool and Kerkez reportedly want the move, and that alignment of intent is crucial.
- Competitive but fair valuation: The quoted fee of €45m–€50m is hefty, but given his age (21), Premier League experience, and technical upside, it’s a reasonable investment, especially in today’s market.
- Other suitors not prioritizing him: With Real Madrid and Manchester City keeping tabs but not pushing aggressively, Liverpool have a clear run if they decide to act decisively.
- Strategic sequencing: As you noted, Richard Hughes may finalize Frimpong’s deal before accelerating the Kerkez pursuit. A left-back would logically follow once the right-back slot is locked in.
Big Picture:
Even with attention also on Florian Wirtz, a potentially transformative signing, Liverpool’s structure and planning under Arne Slot and Hughes appear well-sequenced. If Kerkez stays patient and no rival clubs make a surprise leap, this deal could well become a reality by mid-to-late summer.
In short: There’s work to do, but all the ingredients for a successful transfer are in place.
