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Introduction
In a transfer window already buzzing with major moves, Liverpool have turned their attention firmly to Bournemouth’s 21‑year‑old Hungarian left‑back, Milos Kerkez, setting off an intense sequence of negotiations aimed at challenging Bournemouth’s £45 million valuation. The Premier League champions are said to be confident that an agreement is close and keen to wrap things up before the next pre‑season wave hits.
Who Is Milos Kerkez?
Milos Kerkez might not be a household name yet, but he’s rapidly building a reputation as one of the most exciting young full-backs in Europe. He signed for Bournemouth from AZ Alkmaar in the summer of 2023 for around £17 million, and in just one season, he’s done enough to attract serious interest from a club like Liverpool.
In the 2023–24 campaign, Milos Kerkez was a key figure for the Cherries. He played 38 matches in all competitions, contributing defensively while also showing impressive pace and energy going forward. His strong performances didn’t go unnoticed by Liverpool’s scouts, who identified him as a long-term replacement for Andy Robertson, who is approaching the final stretch of his contract at Anfield.
The Setup: Bournemouth Stand Firm at £45 million
It all began when Liverpool intensified their pursuit of Milos Kerkez recently. With direct dialogue now opened with Bournemouth, the Reds are moving fast but crucially, a formal offer hasn’t been made, yet. That means discussions are shaping up behind the scenes about how close Liverpool can get to that £45 million asking price before pulling the trigger.
Bournemouth are currently back in the United States on a post‑season training trip. Despite the players being abroad, sporting director Simon Francis formerly of Bournemouth and Richard Hughes, who moved from Bournemouth to Liverpool, are reportedly keeping the conversation alive and amicable.
Hughes & Francis: The Transfer Link
One major reason the talks have progressed smoothly is the personal connection between Liverpool’s new sporting director Richard Hughes and Bournemouth’s current sporting director Simon Francis. Hughes only recently left Bournemouth to take over from Jörg Schmadtke at Anfield, and he’s now negotiating with his former club for one of their most promising assets.
Despite Bournemouth’s current squad being on a post-season trip to the east coast of the United States, Hughes and Francis have maintained regular contact. According to sources, that professional rapport has been key in keeping the negotiations civil, focused, and moving forward.
Valuation Tussle: Was Kerkez a £17 million Bargain?
When Bournemouth first signed Milos Kerkez in 2023 from AZ Alkmaar, the fee was reported to be around £18 million. Fast forward just two years, and the Cherries now value him at £45 million a jump of roughly £27 million. Liverpool, balancing ambition and financial prudence, are actively looking to trim that price tag before making an official bid.
That kind of leap reflects both the player’s growth and market inflation. Kerkez featured in all 38 of Bournemouth’s Premier League games last season, contributing 2 goals and 5 assists. He also earned monthly awards and plaudits for his dynamism attributes Liverpool find appealing under new manager Arne Slot.
Kerkez to Liverpool: A Matter of “When,” Not “If”
Although talks are ongoing, all signs point to Kerkez ending up at Anfield:
- Fabrizio Romano reported that personal terms with Milos Kerkez were already agreed last week, and Liverpool only need one more round of discussions for a final club‑to‑club settlement.
- Social media clues fuelled the rumor mill likes on Liverpool posts and a “thank you” message to Bournemouth supporters after the season wrapped hinted that Kerkez may be steering toward a new horizon.
- According to This Is Anfield, meetings between Liverpool and Bournemouth are expected “in the coming days,” likely tying up loose ends when the transfer window reopens next week.
Rumour monger or not, insiders say this deal comes down to formalities Liverpool want the green light.
Strategic Fit: Why Kerkez Matters to Liverpool
Under Arne Slot, Liverpool have shifted toward a system that demands full-backs who can bomb forward with energy. That’s exactly what Milos Kerkez offers. His 21 Premier League starts delivered both defensive solidity and attacking threat making him a more than logical long-term successor to Andy Robertson, whose current contract runs till next summer.
Liverpool’s recruitment this summer reflects a wider plan. Right-back Jeremie Frimpong recently signed for £29.5 million. An eye-catching £109 million bid was placed for midfielder Florian Wirtz (though it was rejected). Now, Milos Kerkez would complete a revamp across both flanks signalling intent to defend the title and push on in Europe.
Bournemouth’s Counter‑Moves: Getting Their Replacement Ready
Bournemouth aren’t just sitting back they’ve already acted. They’re closing a €17 million (£14 million) deal for Rennes left-back Adrien Truffert, preparing for Kerkez’s expected departure. With Dean Huijsen sold to Real Madrid for £50 million, Bournemouth have demonstrated both ambition and shrewd planning, aiming to preserve competitiveness while safeguarding their financial future.
What Comes Next: Medicals, Deadlines, Dynamics
The next step is likely a medical for Kerkez timed to coincide with Bournemouth’s need to finalize Truffert’s move. A smart handshake deal could ensure little downtime between departures and signings.
Note: The transfer window officially reopens next week, after an initial June 1–8 window closed. But clubs like Liverpool hope to wrap as much business now as possible to give players a full pre‑season under Slot’s leadership.
Fan Reaction: Optimism Meets Patience
Liverpool fans are buzzing. On Reddit’s r/LiverpoolFC, users describe Milos Kerkez as “keen,” and many expect little delay now that preliminary talks are over. One voice put it bluntly:
“Kerkez keen feels like an understatement.”
Another commented that the delay seems routine Bournemouth wanted a replacement lined up before firming up the deal.
The Bottom Line
Liverpool are pursuing Milos Kerkez aggressively but thoughtfully. While Bournemouth stand firm at £45 million, Liverpool’s approach is to build momentum quietly, get the numbers right, and seal the deal quickly. Kerkez represents much more than a squad addition. He could spearhead the next chapter of a full-back-driven rebuild that’s been the beating heart of Liverpool’s success in recent seasons.
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The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com