Liverpool are close to finalizing a deal for Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez, who has been representing Hungary internationally this week.
The transfer is nearly finalized.
Hungary’s national team has released Milos Kerkez from training camp duties as his move to Liverpool nears completion. Earlier, national coach Marco Rossi announced that Kerkez wouldn’t play in the upcoming friendly against Sweden but didn’t elaborate. A statement from the Hungarian Football Federation later clarified that the defender will also miss the Azerbaijan match.
“Milos Kerkez left the men’s A-team training camp in Telk for personal reasons and will not travel with the squad to Baku for the match against Azerbaijan.”
Kerkez was present at Hungary’s Budapest base on Thursday but didn’t take part in team training. With negotiations between Liverpool and Bournemouth now in advanced stages, both clubs are reportedly avoiding any injury risks that could jeopardize the transfer.
Liverpool and Bournemouth are expected to meet again soon to finalize the remaining details of the transfer, with the total cost expected to fall between £40–45 million, including potential add-ons.
New Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has made Kerkez a top defensive priority following the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold. Interestingly, Reds sporting director Richard Hughes was responsible for signing Kerkez to Bournemouth in 2023. Last week, the 21-year-old hinted at an impending exit from Bournemouth with a farewell message on social media:
“I don’t know what will happen in the next week but Cherries family thank you!”
