Liverpool Leading The Race For This Bournemouth Ace: Why They Must Get The Deal Done | OneFootball

In a recent report, the I Paper Sport’s Mark Douglas shared a transfer update on Bournemouth sensation Milos Kerkez amid rumours of his potential summer move to Liverpool. The left fullback also draws interest from Arsenal, Man City, Man Utd and Real Madrid. But the Hungary international favours a move to Anfield as cited by the outlet’s Northern Football Correspondent.

The 21-year-old youngster spent his youth years at OFK Vrbas, Rapid Wien, Hódmezővásárhely and Győr before breaking into the latter’s first-team squad in the second tier of Hungarian football. He was spotted and roped in by AC Milan in February 2021, however, a lack of opportunities saw him plying his trade to AZ a year later.

His impressive stint in Eredivisie led to a €17m switch to Bournemouth in the summer of 2023. Soon he secured a key status down the left and has so far netted twice and laid on 6 more in 65 first-team appearances [stats via Transfermarket]. Richard Hughes, then-Cherries Technical Director, was the architect behind many such signings that have flourished under Andoni Iraola. The Scotsman, now working as Liverpool’s sporting director, could raid his former club to bolster the Merseysiders.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 21: Milos Kerkez of AFC Bournemouth runs with the ball while under pressure from Mohamed Salah of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and AFC Bournemouth at Anfield on September 21, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Despite minuscule spending in the past two windows, Arne Slot has done wonders since replacing Jurgen Klopp as the Anfield boss. The Reds are leading the league race defying the odds, but they must bolster several areas to refresh the squad.

Why Liverpool Must Bring In Kerkez

Liverpool are blessed to have veteran Andy Robertson who has featured 337 times since completing a £8m transfer from Hull City eight years back. They brought in Kostas Tsimikas in 2020 to challenge and cover the Scotland skipper, yet the frailty on the left often troubled them over the past few months.

Robertson has lost his pace and precision with age, and Tsimikas, regardless of opportunities, never proved his worth as a first-choice left-back. They have multiple academy prodigies out on loan, but none of Owen Beck, Calum Scanlon, Luke Chambers and James Norris has done enough to secure a starting status week in, and week out.

While they also have Jorrel Hato on their radar, Kerkez should be preferred for his Premier League experience and aggressive style of play. His composure at the back depicts his all-round traits and the Merseysiders must splash a fee of around £40m to secure his services. Nevertheless, FSG’s self-sustaining business model and sell-to-buy policy could be a stumbling block for Liverpool in pursuing a summer transfer.