Man City Have Joined the Race to Hijack Liverpool’s Next Summer Signing – Report | OneFootball

Liverpool Face New Challenge in Pursuit of Milos Kerkez as Manchester City Enter the Frame

Liverpool’s pursuit of Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez appears to be facing an unexpected hurdle as Manchester City have reportedly made an enquiry for the 21-year-old Hungarian international. As first revealed by Mark Douglas in the iPaper, City have “made enquiries and are now viewed as genuine rivals for his signature.”

Kerkez has long been earmarked by Liverpool’s recruitment team as the ideal successor to Andy Robertson, whose influence is slowly diminishing due to age and accumulated wear after years of relentless service. At 31, Robertson’s minutes need to be managed more carefully, and it is increasingly clear that Liverpool are planning for the future.

As Douglas puts it, “The Reds have long been considered the frontrunners to sign the Hungary international, who is viewed as a potential successor to the experienced Andy Robertson.”

Photo: IMAGO

Kerkez’s Profile and Potential Fit at Anfield

Kerkez is valued between £45–50 million by Bournemouth, a significant hike from Liverpool’s previous left-back investments. While such a fee may raise eyebrows, it’s worth noting that the modern transfer market is highly inflated, particularly when young, high-potential players are involved. For context, Robertson cost the club £8 million from Hull City, and Kostas Tsimikas arrived for £11.75 million.

Kerkez, who has shown great promise with the Cherries, offers both dynamism and defensive grit. With Liverpool aiming to refresh their defensive options, especially on the flanks, the Hungarian’s attributes are viewed internally as a perfect match for Arne Slot’s progressive system.

Importantly, Kerkez’s recent switch to agent Fali Ramadani – the same representative who facilitated Federico Chiesa’s 2024 move to Liverpool – could simplify negotiations. This connection may hand the Reds a slight edge in what is shaping up to be a tightly contested race.

City’s Interest Adds Unwanted Pressure

What complicates Liverpool’s ambitions is the late but serious intervention by Manchester City. Pep Guardiola’s side, who have also been linked with moves for attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz before backing out due to cost, are now seeking a specialist in the left-back role.

“Manchester City want Bournemouth’s £45m-rated left-back Milos Kerkez – setting up a potential transfer battle with fellow suitors Liverpool,” Douglas reports.

Photo: IMAGO

Although Josko Gvardiol and Nico O’Reilly have filled in admirably, Guardiola is said to desire a natural full-back for next season. And with Bournemouth’s £50 million sale of Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid boosting their financial standing, the south coast club is under no pressure to sell cheaply.

Transfer Battle Could Hinge on Player’s Will

Bournemouth owner Bill Foley has previously stated he won’t stand in the way of players who wish to leave this summer, especially with the club needing to balance the books after completing a £32 million training facility.

This aligns well with Liverpool’s transfer strategy, which often relies on player desire as much as financial negotiation. If Kerkez is swayed by the allure of playing at Anfield and working under Arne Slot in a title-winning system, the Merseyside club may yet win the race.

But if City accelerate their interest and flash their financial power, the outcome could swing quickly. The next few weeks will likely prove pivotal.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

There’s a growing sense of anxiety among Liverpool fans that history may be repeating itself. Once again, a top target for the Reds is now under the watchful eye of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. The pattern is familiar – identify the talent, do the groundwork, and then lose out to a rival that can offer more money and silverware assurances.

Kerkez feels like a natural fit for our squad – young, hungry, tactically sound, and capable of growing into the left-back role as Robertson phases out. But with City circling, we can’t afford to delay. We’ve already seen City outmuscle us in other transfer situations. Even though they backed out of the Wirtz deal, their intent to reinforce at left-back seems genuine.

Fans will expect the club to act decisively. Slot has done an exceptional job in his first season by winning the Premier League, and now is the time to back him. If we truly believe Kerkez is the future, let’s act like a club that has just reclaimed domestic dominance, not one hesitant to spend. This window is crucial for building sustained success under Slot, and losing Kerkez to City would be an early and bitter blow.