Liverpool Zero In on Milos Kerkez as Arne Slot Eyes Long-Term Left-Back Solution
Fresh off their Premier League title win, Liverpool have turned their focus to the future—targeting Bournemouth’s rising star Milos Kerkez as a key addition for the 2025-26 season. The 21-year-old Hungarian left-back has become a top priority for new manager Arne Slot, who sees him as a natural successor to Andy Robertson and a vital piece in the club’s evolving tactical setup.
Kerkez, who joined Bournemouth from AZ Alkmaar in 2023 for £15.5 million, has enjoyed a breakout Premier League campaign. With 37 appearances, two goals, five assists, and strong defensive metrics—1.9 tackles, 2.1 clearances, and 5.6 recoveries per game—he’s drawn comparisons to Robertson for his two-way play. With Robertson now 31 and backup Kostas Tsimikas potentially on the way out, Liverpool are keen to bring in someone who can challenge for the starting role immediately and eventually take it over.
Transfer Tug-of-War: City, Real Madrid Also Circling
Liverpool aren’t alone in their pursuit. Manchester City are also interested in Kerkez as they seek stability at left-back, a position where Pep Guardiola has rotated players like Josko Gvardiol and Nathan Aké. Real Madrid are loosely linked, though their priorities lie elsewhere. Bournemouth, financially secure following a £50m sale of Dean Huijsen to PSG, are in no hurry to sell and have set a £45 million valuation on Kerkez.
Despite the competition, Liverpool may hold a key advantage. Sporting director Richard Hughes, instrumental in bringing Kerkez to Bournemouth, is now leading Liverpool’s efforts and reportedly maintains a strong relationship with the player. According to Fabrizio Romano, personal terms between Liverpool and Kerkez are progressing well, with the defender “excited” by the prospect of joining the champions.
A Polarizing Prospect
While many Liverpool fans are excited about Kerkez’s attacking instincts and big-game experience—he has 37 caps for Hungary and starred at Euro 2024—some are skeptical. Critics point to his defensive struggles, particularly during Bournemouth’s 3-1 loss to Manchester City, as evidence he might not yet be ready for a top-tier club. One fan on X remarked, “Kerkez has the tools, but £45m for a player who can’t lock down a mid-table side’s defense is steep.”
Nonetheless, his profile matches Slot’s desire for full-backs who can contribute both defensively and offensively. His 56% tackle success rate and 0.7 successful dribbles per game underline his versatility and attacking potential. If he arrives, Kerkez would likely be eased in behind Robertson, gaining vital experience in Liverpool’s high-intensity system.
A Shift in Stance?
Controversy briefly clouded the potential transfer earlier this year when Kerkez was quoted saying, “I will not go to Liverpool,” during a YouTube stream in January. However, recent developments suggest the statement may have been taken out of context or reflect a now-changed position. Current reports suggest the Hungarian has since warmed to the idea.
Liverpool are still keeping their options open, monitoring players like Ajax’s Jorrel Hato and continuing broader recruitment efforts that include Florian Wirtz and Tomás Araújo. The overarching aim is clear: to ensure the squad remains elite under Slot in the post-Klopp era by combining proven experience with emerging talent.
Conclusion: All Eyes on Anfield
Whether Liverpool can outmaneuver Manchester City and meet Bournemouth’s price remains to be seen. But if they succeed, Kerkez’s arrival would underscore their commitment to smart, forward-looking recruitment—and signal the dawn of a new defensive era at Anfiel
