Liverpool are in advanced negotiations with Bournemouth over the signing of highly-rated fullback Milos Kerkez, as the Anfield club look to strengthen their defence ahead of the new season.
New Reds boss Arne Slot has already overseen a breakthrough in talks to bring in Jeremie Frimpong from Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen. The Dutch right-back is understood to have completed the first part of his medical at Anfield. With Frimpong’s arrival all but secured, Liverpool are now turning their attention to the opposite flank.
Kerkez, 21, has emerged as the club’s top target to provide competition and, in time, a long-term replacement for Andy Robertson, who has been Liverpool’s first-choice left-back for the past eight seasons.
The Hungarian international has enjoyed a standout campaign on the south coast, registering two goals and five assists in the Premier League. His dynamic performances have attracted interest from a host of top clubs, including Manchester City and Real Madrid, but it is Liverpool who are currently leading the race.
Talks between the two Premier League clubs are said to be progressing well, with personal terms and a transfer fee currently under discussion. Kerkez is believed to be keen on the move to Merseyside.
Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes, who previously worked at Bournemouth, played a key role in bringing Kerkez to the Cherries and is now instrumental in engineering his move to Anfield.
Should the deal go through, Kerkez would become the second major departure from Bournemouth this summer. The club have already seen young defender Dean Huijsen leave for Real Madrid, after the Spanish giants triggered his £50 million release clause.
Bournemouth are bracing for further bids, with forward Antoine Semenyo also attracting interest. The Cherries are expected to generate around £150 million from the sale of the in-demand trio, funds that will be reinvested into the squad ahead of the new campaign.
As the summer transfer window begins to gather pace, Liverpool’s early business signals a proactive approach under Slot’s leadership — with Kerkez potentially the next addition in what could be a transformative window for the Reds.