Liverpool are closing in on a move for Milos Kerkez with the Hungarian keen to leave Bournemouth to become Andy Robertson’s primary competition for the left-back spot in Arne Slot’s side
Milos Kerkez could be in line for his dream shirt number at Liverpool if Reds boss Arne Slot can pull off a second transfer deal. Kerkez is closing in on a move to Anfield, having impressed for Bournemouth.
Liverpool had made signing a new left-back a priority for this summer’s transfer window. First-choice Andy Robertson endured a difficult campaign, with his form suffering a downturn, while questions remain over Kostas Tsimikas’ ability.
Kerkez quickly became the Reds’ top target after an impressive spell with the Cherries. He has started every one of their 36 top-flight games so far this season, helping them to set a new club-record points tally in the Premier League.
He has also become a regular for Hungary on the international stage and featured prominently at Euro 2024, where they missed out on a knockout place on goal difference. The 21-year-old is now close to making a move north.
Liverpool chiefs have opened talks with their counterparts at Bournemouth with negotiations underway over a fee. Kerkez is keen on the move and in an added bonus he could be handed his dream shirt number.
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The Hungarian currently occupies the No.3 shirt at Bournemouth, with Wataru Endo possessing it at Liverpool. The Japanese midfielder could theoretically move over to the No.6 shirt which is unoccupied to allow Kerkez to take the No.3.
A more realistic scenario though is that Endo departs Liverpool this summer. He has fallen out of favour under Slot, starting just one Premier League game, though he has been a regular substitute.
Endo has two years remaining on the contract he signed after his £16m arrival from Stuttgart. But given his status as Japan’s national team captain, the 32-year-old may seek an exit in search of game-time.
The Reds do go on tour to Japan this summer, so any departure for Endo would likely come after that. Kerkez has previously insisted he has what it takes to succeed at a club such as Liverpool, who will defend their Premier League title next season.
“I believe I can make it at the top level of football … then I can build an even bigger lake. Everything has changed quickly. It is a bit crazy,” Kerkez told The Guardian in December.
“Everything went: ‘Boom.’ I knew I could do it … but I didn’t know I could do it so quickly. Maybe people see how much I go forward and they forget about my defending.
“But the first thing I’m good at is defending, one v one, in the duels. Anything extra is a bonus, because I have the energy to do it, so why not? It is the best thing for us as defenders, to lock down the wingers.”
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