Renowned journalist Paul Joyce has shed light on Milos Kerkez’s £40 million move to Liverpool, offering key details missing from the club’s official June 26, 2025 announcement. While Liverpool confirmed that the 21-year-old Hungarian left-back joined from Bournemouth on a “long-term contract,” Joyce—writing for The Times—reported that Kerkez has signed a five-year deal running until 2030, underlining Liverpool’s future-focused plan under manager Arne Slot.
In a post on X, Joyce added that the £40 million fee includes performance-based add-ons. Bournemouth had originally hoped for £45 million but eventually agreed to the lower sum. The deal was orchestrated by sporting director Richard Hughes, who originally brought Kerkez to Bournemouth from AZ Alkmaar in 2023. Kerkez is the Reds’ third significant summer signing after Florian Wirtz (£116m) and Jeremie Frimpong (£29.5m), bringing Liverpool’s total summer spend to £187 million, partly offset by the £35 million sale of Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen.
Kerkez, an ever-present for Bournemouth last season with 38 Premier League starts, notched two goals, six assists, 169 ball recoveries, and 142 crosses, making him a perfect fit for Slot’s aggressive pressing style. His arrival also comes at a key moment for Liverpool, as veteran Andy Robertson faces up to nine months on the sidelines with an ACL injury and uncertainty over his future after links with Atlético Madrid.
According to Joyce, Kerkez is being brought in to compete initially rather than replace Robertson outright. The Hungarian expressed his delight at signing, telling Liverpool’s website: “It’s a real honour to play for the biggest club in England.”
Fans on X welcomed Joyce’s report, with one supporter posting, “Paul Joyce always provides the details Liverpool leave out!” Others, however, questioned why Liverpool omitted key information in their announcement.
The transfer, as Joyce outlined, reflects Liverpool’s calculated strategy of investing in promising talent while refreshing their squad amid injuries and potential departures. Supporters hope this measured approach will maintain the club’s competitive edge as they also target Crystal Palace’s Marc Guéhi to bolster the backline
