Fabrizio Romano Confirms Liverpool are Close to Finalising Third Signing This Summer | OneFootball

Liverpool Close In on Milos Kerkez Deal as Slot’s Defensive Overhaul Continues

Final Talks Underway for Kerkez Move

Liverpool’s pursuit of Bournemouth full-back Milos Kerkez is approaching its conclusion, with talks entering their final phase. As confirmed by Fabrizio Romano on X, “Milos Kerkez to Liverpool remains matter of (short) time, with final round of talks taking place very soon.”

Although the deal will not be completed immediately, discussions are set to resume in the coming days as Arne Slot’s side move swiftly to bolster the left side of defence. Romano adds: “The deal won’t be completed today but soon LFC will meet again with Bournemouth to get it done.”

This follows an ongoing sequence of negotiations which have seen Bournemouth prepare for life without Kerkez. Sky Sports previously reported the south coast club had already agreed a deal with Rennes for Adrien Truffert, widely seen as the Hungarian’s successor.

Full-Back Plans Reflect Slot’s Tactical Shift

The acquisition of Kerkez reflects more than just depth-building. It’s a calculated evolution of the full-back role under new leadership. Liverpool have already reinforced the opposite flank with Jeremie Frimpong, signed as cover and competition for the now-departed Trent Alexander-Arnold, who recently joined Real Madrid.

Frimpong, an aggressive, technically accomplished wing-back, and Kerkez, known for his tenacity and overlapping runs, suggest a wide-play blueprint rooted in width, speed, and verticality. Slot appears determined to implement a more fluid system, empowering his full-backs to operate both as creative outlets and defensive reinforcers.

Andy Robertson’s role, meanwhile, will subtly change. Despite some inconsistency in the 2024/25 season, the Scotland international remains an influential figure. Kerkez’s arrival is expected to share the burden, preserving Robertson’s effectiveness while preparing for the future.

Tsimikas Exit Expected as Competition Increases

With Kerkez likely incoming, all signs point to Kostas Tsimikas seeking opportunities elsewhere. The Greek full-back has struggled to establish himself beyond a rotation option since arriving at Anfield and now faces increased competition in a reshaped squad under Slot.

Hungary Absence Adds Intrigue

In a potential clue to the urgency behind the deal, Kerkez recently left Hungary’s training camp citing “private reasons.” Though unconfirmed, it’s not unreasonable to suggest this absence is linked to finalising his move to Liverpool. Timing, after all, is everything in transfer dealings, especially with international tournaments on the horizon and pre-season looming.

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Liverpool fans have grown increasingly confident about the move, particularly after even Andy Robertson acknowledged the likelihood of Kerkez’s arrival. That degree of openness reflects how far along the process is.

Slot’s Summer Rebuild Starts with Purpose

Alongside the deals for Frimpong and third-choice goalkeeper Armin Pecsi, Kerkez represents Liverpool’s third foray into the summer market. The 20-year-old full-back is seen as an investment in the club’s medium and long-term structure, someone who can challenge for starts now while developing into a cornerstone player in years to come.

Slot’s choices so far indicate an embrace of youth, mobility and tactical adaptability, hallmarks of his Feyenoord tenure. With further interest in attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz and a centre-back addition reportedly under consideration, the broader direction of the rebuild is clear: smart, fast, and strategically sound.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

This move feels like the right kind of transfer, quietly executed, tactically sound, and forward-facing. Kerkez brings the hunger and potential that has defined many of the club’s most successful signings in recent years. While Robertson remains a much-loved and reliable figure, even his fiercest advocates know that constant availability is no longer a given. Sharing minutes across all competitions makes perfect sense.

What excites fans is Kerkez’s profile. He’s not just a deputy, he’s a player who could push the first-choice left-back from day one. Physically sharp, defensively aggressive, and offensively brave, he fits the mould of a modern Liverpool full-back. And in Slot’s system, where positional flexibility and high pressing matter, that combination is gold.

There’s also satisfaction in seeing Liverpool act early and decisively. Too often in the past, deals have dragged or fallen through. But here, with Romano’s confirmation, there’s a sense that the club is on the front foot again in the market. It bodes well for a summer that promises fresh energy and smart recruitment at Anfield.