Liverpool Target Milos Kerkez as Summer Rebuild Gathers Momentum

Reds preparing opening offer for £45m-rated Bournemouth full-back Milos Kerkez

As Liverpool begin shaping their squad for life under new manager Arne Slot, one name has surged to the top of their shopping list — Bournemouth’s dynamic Hungarian left-back Milos Kerkez. The 20-year-old has enjoyed a breakout season on the south coast, and his blend of raw energy, attacking intent, and defensive maturity has attracted admirers from across the Premier League.

Now, with Manchester City seemingly stepping back from the chase, Liverpool are primed to make the first move. According to reports from iNews, the Reds are preparing an opening bid for the £45 million-rated defender — although it’s unlikely to be met with enthusiasm at the Vitality Stadium.

Liverpool’s new era begins with a defensive focus

It’s no secret that Liverpool are looking to refresh their squad this summer, especially in defence. With long-term concerns over Andy Robertson’s fitness and the need for genuine depth in the left-back position, the Reds have turned their attention to Kerkez — a player who has not only impressed in Bournemouth’s system but also shown he can cope with the intensity and demands of Premier League football.

Kerkez, who joined Bournemouth from AZ Alkmaar in 2023, has rapidly adapted to life in England. His relentless work rate and fearless forward runs have been a hallmark of Andoni Iraola’s team this season. Still only 20, he boasts a maturity beyond his years and has been a regular starter in a Bournemouth side that punched well above its weight in the 2024/25 campaign.

Liverpool’s interest in Kerkez is not new. He’s been on the club’s radar since the winter window, but with multiple positions needing reinforcement and a change in the dugout, a formal move was delayed. Now, with Slot in charge and recruitment plans accelerating, the Reds are ready to act.

A low opening bid — but a clear signal of intent

What makes Kerkez such an attractive signing?

While the reported bid from Liverpool will fall short of Bournemouth’s £45 million valuation, the gesture marks a clear intent. The Reds want Kerkez, and they believe he fits perfectly into the style of football Slot wants to play — high pressing, attacking full-backs, and technical quality throughout the back line.

Still, there’s little chance Bournemouth will roll over and accept a cut-price deal. The Cherries know what they’ve got in Kerkez. With a long contract in place and no urgent financial pressure to sell — particularly after securing a significant fee from Real Madrid for defender Dean Huijsen — they are expected to stand firm.

It’s understood that Liverpool’s approach will be measured. Their current focus lies elsewhere, with Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz emerging as the marquee target for the summer. But that deal will not come cheap, with estimates suggesting the total outlay could well exceed £100 million. As a result, Liverpool will need to be cautious and strategic in how they spend their remaining budget — which is why they’re unlikely to meet Bournemouth’s asking price right away.

Balancing ambition with budget

Liverpool’s recruitment strategy this summer is clearly ambitious, but not reckless. The arrival of Jeremie Frimpong has already injected pace and versatility into their right flank, and the potential addition of Wirtz would bring much-needed creativity through the middle. Kerkez, then, is viewed as a key piece in a broader puzzle — a player who can rotate with or eventually succeed Robertson without breaking the bank.

But Bournemouth’s stance could complicate matters. The south coast club have made it clear they won’t entertain lowball offers, and given the player’s age and potential, there will be no shortage of interest if Liverpool hesitate. European sides, as well as rival Premier League clubs, have been monitoring Kerkez’s development, and a drawn-out negotiation could open the door to competitors.

That said, Liverpool hold several advantages. They can offer Kerkez European football — likely in the Champions League — as well as the opportunity to compete for silverware and develop under one of the most progressive coaching setups in Europe. For a young player with big ambitions, the appeal is obvious.

What makes Kerkez such an attractive signing?

There’s more to Kerkez than just youthful promise. He’s a full-back in the modern mould — aggressive going forward, confident on the ball, and with the engine to contribute both in attack and defence. At Bournemouth, he’s been a key outlet down the left, often overlapping with midfielders and delivering dangerous balls into the box.

Defensively, he’s no slouch either. His tackling success rate, positional awareness, and recovery speed have all improved considerably during his time in the Premier League. Importantly, he’s coachable — something that’s been highlighted by those close to the Bournemouth camp. He listens, he learns, and he adapts.

In many ways, he could be moulded in the same way Jürgen Klopp helped shape Trent Alexander-Arnold into one of the game’s most unique right-backs. While the tactical demands will now fall to Slot, the ethos remains: Liverpool want players who are tactically flexible, technically skilled, and driven to improve.

What’s next for Liverpool and Kerkez?

Much will depend on how Liverpool choose to prioritise their targets. The pursuit of Wirtz could easily dominate headlines — and resources — in the coming weeks. But that doesn’t mean Kerkez has been placed on the back burner. Conversations with Bournemouth are expected to continue, and while the initial offer may not match the Cherries’ valuation, it could lay the groundwork for a more acceptable second bid.

One thing is clear: Liverpool like what they see in Milos Kerkez, and they’re not alone. The coming weeks could determine whether the Hungarian sensation makes the leap to one of England’s biggest clubs — or whether Bournemouth dig in and force the Reds to look elsewhere.

With a long summer ahead, don’t be surprised if Liverpool test the waters again — this time with a bid that gets Bournemouth talking. For now, Kerkez remains a Cherry, but the winds of change are blowing.