Liverpool Agree £40m Deal for Bournemouth Left-Back Milos Kerkez

Liverpool Agree £40m Deal to Sign Kerkez from Bournemouth

Liverpool have agreed a £40m deal to sign Hungarian left-back Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth, continuing their ambitious summer rebuild under new manager Arne Slot.

The 21-year-old Hungary international will become Liverpool’s third major signing of the transfer window, following the arrivals of Florian Wirtz (from Bayer Leverkusen for a club-record £116m) and Jeremie Frimpong (from Leverkusen for £29.5m).

Kerkez will reunite with fellow Hungary international Dominik Szoboszlai, with whom he shares a strong national team partnership.

From Bournemouth to Anfield: The Rise of Kerkez

Kerkez joined Bournemouth in summer 2023, brought in by then-sporting director Richard Hughes, who now holds the same role at Liverpool. He played all 38 Premier League matches last season, scoring two goals and registering six assists, helping the Cherries achieve a club-record 56 points and finish ninth in the table.

Born in Serbia, Kerkez began his senior career with Gyor in Hungary before moving to AC Milan. After failing to make an appearance for the Rossoneri, he joined AZ Alkmaar in 2022, where he made an immediate impact—scoring five goals and providing seven assists across all competitions in the 2022-23 campaign.

A Modern Full-Back Built for Slot’s System

Kerkez’s attributes align perfectly with the demands of Slot’s evolving system at Liverpool. Though Slot is expected to bring a more structured pressing style than his predecessor Jurgen Klopp, high energy and ball progression remain key components.

Here’s how Kerkez stacked up last season:

• 169 ball recoveries – 5th among all Premier League defenders, and more than any Liverpool defender

• 34 chances created from open play – 7th among defenders

• 142 crosses – 6th most among defenders

• 476 passes into final third – 10th among defenders

• 22 completed dribbles – more than any Liverpool defender

• 11 ball recoveries in attacking third – 9th most among defenders

• 5 assists & 8 big chances created

These numbers highlight his ability to contribute offensively and defensively, fitting Slot’s vision for aggressive, progressive full-backs who can create chances and win possession high up the pitch.

What Does This Mean for Robertson and Tsimikas?

Kerkez’s arrival raises immediate questions about Liverpool’s current left-backs:

• Andy Robertson, now 31, is reportedly attracting interest from Atletico Madrid.

• Kostas Tsimikas is expected to be made available for transfer as part of the reshuffle.

Liverpool are understood to want to retain Robertson, but also acknowledge that the Scot may seek regular football elsewhere.

Conclusion: A Smart Signing with Long-Term Value

Kerkez is widely seen as one of Europe’s most exciting young full-backs. At just 21, his blend of energy, tactical intelligence, and attacking flair makes him a natural fit for Slot’s Liverpool. And with Richard Hughes already familiar with his qualities, this transfer appears to be both strategic and forward-thinking.