Liverpool Football Club have officially announced the signing of Hungarian left-back Milos Kerkez from AFC Bournemouth, marking the club’s second major addition of the summer following the high-profile arrival of Florian Wirtz. The 21-year-old arrives at Anfield after completing a medical and putting pen to paper on a long-term deal at the AXA Training Centre, in what is shaping up to be a bold and promising new era under the stewardship of Arne Slot.
Kerkez, who has earned plaudits for his dynamic performances in the Premier League and at the international level with Hungary, joins the reigning English champions as a young but already experienced full-back. In an exclusive interview with Liverpoolfc.com, the player expressed immense pride and excitement at the opportunity to don the red shirt of Liverpool, a club he described as “the biggest in England.”
With a mix of technical ability, attacking intent, and youthful energy, Kerkez is expected to bring healthy competition and long-term stability to the left side of Liverpool’s defence. But beyond that, his arrival signals a strategic evolution for the Reds as they gear up for another demanding season both domestically and in Europe.
From Győr to Anfield: The Kerkez Journey
Born in Vrbas, Serbia, and raised in Hungary, Milos Kerkez’s footballing journey began with local club ETO FC Győr. It didn’t take long for scouts across Europe to take notice of his prodigious talent, particularly his aggressive forward runs, tight control in tight areas, and stamina that allowed him to dominate the left flank for 90 minutes week in, week out.
In 2021, his burgeoning potential earned him a move to Italian giants AC Milan, a testament to his quality even at a young age. Though he didn’t break into the senior team at the San Siro, the experience proved vital in sharpening his tactical understanding and training standards.
It was at AZ Alkmaar where Kerkez truly began to blossom. Arriving midway through the 2021–22 season, the Hungarian quickly nailed down a starting spot. Across a year-and-a-half spell in the Eredivisie, he made 57 appearances and registered numerous assists, helping AZ qualify for European football and reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa Conference League.
That stint attracted the attention of Premier League clubs, and Bournemouth acted swiftly to secure his services in the summer of 2023. Over two seasons at the Vitality Stadium, Kerkez made 74 appearances, scoring two goals and notching eight assists — numbers that highlight his attacking potential from defence. His performances earned him a nomination for the 2024-25 PFA Young Player of the Year and saw him named a finalist for the 2023 Golden Boy award.
At just 21, Kerkez already has a wealth of top-level experience across three different leagues, and now he steps onto football’s biggest stage at Liverpool.
A Statement of Intent
Kerkez’s arrival at Liverpool is not just about plugging a defensive gap — it’s a clear statement of intent from the club’s new-look recruitment team. The Reds are moving with precision this summer, focusing on young, high-ceiling talents who can contribute immediately but also grow into world-beaters at Anfield.
With Andy Robertson approaching his 30s and having faced injuries in recent seasons, there was a growing consensus that Liverpool needed to reinforce the left-back position. Kostas Tsimikas, though dependable, has struggled for rhythm and game time, and doubts remain about his long-term future at the club.
Kerkez offers a fresh alternative. Not only is he an attacking threat with intelligent movement and a wicked left foot, but he’s also defensively astute, having been battle-tested in the Premier League against elite wingers. His ability to recover quickly, press high, and combine with midfielders makes him a perfect fit for the aggressive, front-foot football that Liverpool have built their identity on.
Under Arne Slot, who favours dynamic full-backs that can operate almost as inverted midfielders when in possession, Kerkez is expected to flourish. His arrival gives Liverpool tactical flexibility and ensures the left side of the pitch is equipped with both power and guile.
What Kerkez Brings to the Reds
1. Attacking Width and Overlapping Runs
Kerkez is known for his eagerness to get forward. At Bournemouth, he frequently provided attacking width, often overlapping his winger to deliver dangerous crosses into the box. His vision and timing make him a constant threat in the final third.
At Liverpool, where full-backs play a pivotal role in attacking transitions, this trait will be invaluable. Whether it’s overlapping Luis Díaz or combining with a roaming Florian Wirtz, Kerkez’s ability to exploit space could prove a game-changer.
2. Defensive Tenacity
One of Kerkez’s standout traits is his aggression in duels. He presses with intent and rarely gives wingers time on the ball. This physical edge, combined with positional intelligence, makes him a strong one-vs-one defender — a must in high-octane Premier League matches.
3. Tactical Versatility
Having played under various managers in different systems, Kerkez is tactically flexible. He can operate as a traditional full-back, wing-back, or even as an inverted full-back depending on the match context. Slot, known for his tactical innovation, will appreciate this quality immensely.
4. Set-Piece Contribution
Though not a primary taker, Kerkez’s delivery from wide areas has often created chaos in opposition boxes. His ability to whip in crosses from deep or the byline adds another layer to Liverpool’s attacking playbook.
Hungary’s Rising Star
On the international stage, Kerkez made his debut for Hungary in 2022 during a UEFA Nations League clash against Germany. Since then, he has earned 23 caps and established himself as a crucial part of the national setup.
His consistent performances have helped Hungary climb the UEFA rankings, and he’s expected to be a key figure in their upcoming EURO 2028 qualifying campaign. His experience in high-pressure international matches will serve him well at a club like Liverpool, where every game carries massive expectations.
His maturity and leadership qualities have also drawn praise. Despite his age, Kerkez has shown a remarkable calmness and self-confidence, characteristics that will be vital in adjusting to life at Anfield and meeting the demands of a title-chasing side.
Reaction from the Liverpool Camp
The signing has been met with widespread approval among Liverpool supporters, many of whom see Kerkez as a long-term successor to Andy Robertson. His early declarations of passion and commitment have only strengthened the positive first impression.
“I’m going to give everything – absolutely everything – to win trophies with the club,” said Kerkez. “And to hopefully score some goals at Anfield. I can’t wait to hear the roar.”
Such words resonate deeply with the Anfield faithful, who have always celebrated players who wear their hearts on their sleeves.
The Bigger Picture: Slot’s Summer Plans Take Shape
With Kerkez and Wirtz already through the door, Liverpool’s summer business is off to an impressive start. Both signings align with a clear recruitment strategy: bring in elite young talents who can fit into an energetic, high-pressing system while providing long-term value.
Arne Slot has been keen to put his stamp on the squad early, and these additions suggest a desire to refresh key areas with players who can play a part for the next five to seven years. Reports suggest further reinforcements are being targeted in midfield and central defence, with names like Leny Yoro, Bruno Guimarães, and João Neves being monitored.
The arrival of Kerkez also allows greater rotation and squad depth — a key requirement with Liverpool competing on four fronts next season, including their return to the UEFA Champions League.
Shirt Number and Next Steps
While Kerkez’s squad number is yet to be confirmed, it is expected to be announced before Liverpool depart for their pre-season tour. He is likely to feature in the friendlies lined up in Asia and the United States, which will offer fans an early glimpse of his capabilities.
Before that, Kerkez will take a short break in his hometown to recharge before returning to Merseyside. Pre-season training under Arne Slot begins in early July, and the Hungarian is expected to be fully integrated into the first-team setup by then.
A Perfect Fit?
The signs are overwhelmingly positive. In Kerkez, Liverpool have acquired one of Europe’s brightest young full-backs — someone who is not only physically and technically equipped for Premier League football but also mentally prepared to embrace the demands of Anfield.
He is ambitious, humble, and hungry for success — all traits that have defined Liverpool’s best players under Jurgen Klopp and now, hopefully, under Arne Slot.
In years to come, this deal may well be remembered as a masterstroke — the moment a young Hungarian arrived and made the left-back spot his own for a decade.
As Kerkez himself put it: “It’s a real honour. A privilege. I’m just really, really happy and excited.”
So are we.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
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