Liverpool set sights on defensive target in £40m summer move | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Summer Plans Take Shape with £40m Left-Back Target

Liverpool Eye Kerkez to Strengthen Defence

Liverpool are set to enter the summer transfer market with an eye on bolstering their defensive ranks, and Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez has emerged as a key target. As reported by The Telegraph, the 21-year-old Hungarian full-back is expected to command a fee of more than £40 million, having impressed since his move to the Premier League.

Kerkez’s rise has been rapid. Bournemouth secured his signature from AZ Alkmaar for £15.5 million, fending off interest from Lazio. Now, just two seasons later, his valuation has soared, and Europe’s elite are circling. Liverpool, led by head coach Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes—who was instrumental in bringing Kerkez to the south coast—are closely monitoring his situation.

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Liverpool’s Left-Back Dilemma

Since 2017, Andy Robertson has been Liverpool’s undisputed first-choice left-back, with Kostas Tsimikas providing back-up since 2020. However, Robertson is now 30, and injuries have disrupted his season. Tsimikas has filled in capably, but the club’s interest in Kerkez suggests they may be looking for a long-term successor.

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Kerkez’s profile fits Liverpool’s recruitment model perfectly—young, dynamic, and proven at a high level. His ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch makes him an attractive option. If the Reds do push ahead with a move, competition is expected, with other top European clubs also tracking the Hungarian international.

Summer Plans Beyond Kerkez

While much attention has been on the futures of Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, and Trent Alexander-Arnold—who are all yet to commit to new contracts—Liverpool’s recruitment team is still planning to strengthen the squad. Slot’s first season has seen the Reds mount a title charge, and a successful summer window could help sustain their dominance.

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A move for Kerkez would signal Liverpool’s intent to continue evolving under Slot. Defensive reinforcements are clearly on the agenda, but whether Kerkez is the man Liverpool push hardest for remains to be seen.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

There’s plenty to get excited about here for Liverpool fans. The thought of a player like Kerkez arriving at Anfield is a statement of ambition, and it shows that the club is already preparing for life beyond Robertson. The Scottish international has been a phenomenal servant, but time moves fast in football, and securing his successor early would be a smart move.

Kerkez’s style is tailor-made for a high-intensity system. He’s quick, aggressive, and technically sharp—attributes that would fit perfectly into Liverpool’s pressing game. His attacking instincts could provide Slot with a new tactical weapon, especially as full-backs remain such a crucial part of Liverpool’s attacking structure.

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Another major factor here is Richard Hughes. He knows Kerkez well, having been involved in his signing at Bournemouth, which could give Liverpool an edge in negotiations. If the Reds are serious, they’ll have to move fast, as other clubs are sure to make their case.

It’s also reassuring to see that Liverpool are planning beyond the immediate contract situations of their star players. The uncertainty around van Dijk, Salah, and Alexander-Arnold hasn’t stopped the club from being proactive. This is exactly the kind of long-term thinking that has kept Liverpool at the top in recent years.

Should Kerkez make the switch, expect him to challenge for a starting spot immediately. Tsimikas has done well in bursts but hasn’t fully convinced as a long-term starter. Kerkez, on the other hand, has the potential to be a key figure for years to come.