Liverpool’s interest in Bournemouth’s 21-year-old left-back Milos Kerkez has become a major storyline ahead of the 2025–26 season, as the newly crowned Premier League champions look to strengthen under Arne Slot. The Hungarian international has emerged as a priority target, with the Reds locked in a competitive race against Manchester City and drawing attention from European heavyweights like Real Madrid. Kerkez’s mix of offensive prowess, defensive dependability, and Premier League experience makes him a compelling candidate for Liverpool, but securing his transfer won’t be simple—Bournemouth are demanding £45 million.
Since joining Bournemouth from AZ Alkmaar in 2023 for £15.5 million, Kerkez has grown into one of the Premier League’s standout young full-backs. In the 2024–25 campaign, he featured in 37 matches, scoring twice and registering five assists. Defensively, he averaged 1.9 tackles, 2.1 clearances, and 5.6 recoveries per game. His energetic runs, accurate crossing, and disciplined positioning have drawn comparisons to current Liverpool stalwart Andy Robertson. With Robertson turning 31 in March 2025 and backup Kostas Tsimikas potentially on his way out, Liverpool see Kerkez as both a long-term successor and immediate competition.
Leading Liverpool’s pursuit is sporting director Richard Hughes, who was instrumental in signing Kerkez for Bournemouth. That existing relationship could tip negotiations in Liverpool’s favor, with reports suggesting the player prefers Anfield over a move to Manchester City. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, discussions over personal terms are progressing well, and Kerkez is reportedly “excited” by the prospect of joining the champions. Still, Bournemouth remain firm on their £45m valuation and aren’t under pressure to sell, especially after a lucrative £50m deal sent Dean Huijsen to PSG.
City’s interest remains serious, as Pep Guardiola seeks a more consistent option at left-back, with Josko Gvardiol and Nathan Aké having rotated there last season. While Real Madrid have shown some interest, their focus appears to be elsewhere for now. Among fans, reactions are mixed—many Liverpool supporters are enthusiastic about Kerkez’s potential, though others question his readiness following a poor showing in Bournemouth’s 3–1 loss to City. One critic on X (formerly Twitter) commented, “Kerkez has talent, but £45m for a defender who struggles in a mid-table side is risky.”
Internationally, Kerkez has also impressed. With 37 caps for Hungary and a strong performance at Euro 2024, he has shown his ability on the big stage. His statistical profile—56% tackle success rate and 0.7 successful dribbles per game—fits well with Slot’s tactical demands for full-backs who contribute at both ends of the pitch. At Liverpool, he would likely rotate with Robertson early on, learning the system and growing into a key role. The club’s interest in Jeremie Frimpong for the opposite flank further signals a focus on dynamic, attacking full-backs.
There are still hurdles. A past comment from Kerkez in January 2025—where he allegedly said, “I will not go to Liverpool” during a YouTube livestream—has raised questions, though more recent updates indicate a change in attitude. Whether that earlier statement was misinterpreted or simply outdated remains unclear.
With Bournemouth standing firm and Liverpool monitoring other options like Ajax’s Jorrel Hato, it’s evident that the Reds are not putting all their eggs in one basket. Other targets, including Florian Wirtz and Tomás Araújo, reflect Liverpool’s broader strategy to build a squad capable of long-term success under Slot’s leadership.
As the transfer window approaches, the outcome of the Kerkez saga will be closely watched. His potential signing would represent Liverpool’s intent to invest in youth and maintain their dominance in the post-Klopp era. Whether the Reds can outmaneuver City and strike a deal with Bournemouth will ultimately decide whether Kerkez calls Anfield home next season.
