“Bid Rejected” – Liverpool still pushing to sign £45m Premier League star | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Opening Bid for Kerkez Set to Be Rejected by Bournemouth

Liverpool’s proactive approach to the summer transfer window appears to be hitting its first major stumbling block, with iNews reporting that Bournemouth are set to reject the Reds’ opening bid for Milos Kerkez.

The Hungarian international has already agreed personal terms with Liverpool, yet the deal remains in the negotiation phase. Despite the growing expectation among fans that Kerkez is destined for Anfield, Bournemouth are standing firm on their valuation of the 21-year-old.

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Bournemouth stand firm on Kerkez valuation

The south coast club reportedly want £45 million for the young left-back, who they see as a valuable asset both in present terms and future resale potential. According to iNews, “Liverpool’s first offer will come in lower than Bournemouth’s asking price,” and the Cherries are “prepared to reject it.”

Bournemouth, buoyed by their recent £50 million sale of Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid, are under no financial pressure to part ways with Kerkez. Their stance reflects a club confident in its valuation, particularly for a player who has shown maturity beyond his years in the Premier League.

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Strategic addition to challenge Robertson

Liverpool see Kerkez as a key figure in strengthening the squad depth at left-back, particularly to challenge and eventually succeed Andy Robertson. While Kostas Tsimikas remains an option, the Greek international’s future could be uncertain should Kerkez arrive.

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The reported interest from Manchester City, who have now shifted focus to Wolves’ Rayan Ait-Nouri, underscores Kerkez’s rising stock. That interest only strengthens Bournemouth’s negotiating position.

Motivation, not distraction

Kerkez himself has addressed the speculation, stating that the Liverpool links serve more as motivation than distraction. This psychological resilience could well be a trait Liverpool value highly as they shape a younger, hungrier squad under Arne Slot.

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Should a compromise be reached, it may involve performance-based add-ons. But Liverpool’s initial undercutting of the £45 million valuation points to a protracted negotiation ahead.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

For Liverpool fans, the reported rejection of the opening bid for Milos Kerkez brings a familiar mix of frustration and resignation. Once again, the club appears to be moving with caution in a transfer market that demands assertiveness.

The player is clearly keen, personal terms are already in place, and the fit is obvious—young, Premier League-tested, and tailor-made for a side seeking long-term stability in defence. But if Bournemouth are standing firm at £45 million, the hope is that Liverpool don’t allow a reasonable fee to derail what could be a very shrewd acquisition.

Many supporters will draw comparisons to drawn-out past sagas, where over-negotiation led to missed opportunities. Given Robertson’s age and injury issues in recent seasons, failing to bolster that position adequately could come back to haunt Liverpool in a long campaign.

While it’s wise not to be held to ransom, the reality is that proven Premier League left-backs at 21 years old don’t come cheap. If Kerkez is viewed internally as a long-term starter, the club must back that belief with decisive action.