Liverpool are close to finalizing a £40 million transfer for Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez, continuing new manager Arne Slot’s aggressive summer rebuild.
The 21-year-old Hungarian left-back has long been on Liverpool’s radar, and after weeks of negotiations, the two clubs have reportedly reached an agreement. Once completed, Kerkez will become Liverpool’s most expensive left-back ever, surpassing the £12 million spent on Alberto Moreno in 2014.
Kerkez is expected to undergo a medical next week before signing a five-year contract, pushing the club’s summer transfer spending to a staggering £185 million. This follows the earlier arrivals of Jeremie Frimpong (£29m) and Florian Wirtz, whose £116m move from Bayer Leverkusen will soon be finalized.
Kerkez has shown a clear desire to join Liverpool, hinting at the move on social media. His father, Sebastijan, confirmed the deal during an appearance on the Super Indirektno podcast, saying, “It’s only Liverpool for us. Everything is done.”
Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes, formerly of Bournemouth, reportedly played a crucial role in securing the transfer. The Kerkez family’s strong trust in Hughes helped move the deal forward.
Bournemouth had delayed finalizing the move until they found a replacement. That condition was met earlier this week when they signed Adrien Truffert from Rennes for around £14 million.
Kerkez’s arrival casts some uncertainty over the future of Andy Robertson, who has been hampered by injuries. Kerkez’s speed, attacking flair, and suitability for Slot’s high-intensity system make him an ideal fit for the team’s new tactical approach.
The young defender has impressed since moving to Bournemouth from AZ Alkmaar, earning praise for his dynamic performances against top Premier League opponents. His modern full-back profile — combining defensive discipline with forward thrust — aligns well with Slot’s footballing philosophy.
The signing is part of a larger strategy to inject youth and versatility into the squad. With Giorgi Mamardashvili set to join from Valencia for £29m and Frimpong already secured, Liverpool’s transfer activity signals a serious push for silverware in the post-Klopp era.
Slot has been directly involved in identifying players suited to his style, emphasizing energy and attacking intent — qualities Kerkez brings in abundance.
Meanwhile, Jarell Quansah is reportedly nearing a £35m departure, which could help balance the books after Kerkez’s acquisition.
Kerkez is expected to link up with the squad ahead of pre-season, and fans will be watching closely to see how he adapts to the demands of playing for a club with title ambitions.
While the final announcement and medical are pending, all signs point to the transfer being complete — and Liverpool making a strong statement ahead of the new season
