Journalist: Liverpool Have Agreed £40m Fee to Sign Milos Kerkez ‘Imminently’ | OneFootball

Liverpool Closing in on £40m Deal to Sign Milos Kerkez from AFC Bournemouth

Liverpool’s recruitment strategy under Arne Slot continues to impress, and the imminent £40 million signing of Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth might just be their sharpest move yet. Described by many as a rough diamond, Kerkez embodies the modern full-back, one capable of blending defensive tenacity with rapid transitions into attack. He is, as Lewis Steele of The Daily Mail describes, a “free-flowing full back” and “an all-round good guy” — but make no mistake, this is a player of serious footballing steel.

His standout moment last season came against Spurs, when he surged 70 yards to assist Marcus Tavernier. It was vintage full-back play — reminiscent of peak Andy Robertson — and an early preview of what the Anfield faithful can expect.

Kerkez’s contribution for Bournemouth was impressive across the board: 2 goals and 6 assists, starting all 38 Premier League games. As Alexander Smith from the Bournemouth Echo put it: “He was among the Cherries’ most consistent performers this season.”

Photo: IMAGO

From Poole to Premier Class

Born in Serbia, raised in Hungary, and developed in Austria, the Netherlands and England, Kerkez has gathered experience and maturity far beyond his 21 years. Liverpool fans can thank Richard Hughes for keeping ties strong with his former club, Bournemouth, where a £45 million fee has been negotiated down slightly.

Slot and his team have identified a player with not just ability but character. Adam Bogdan, former Liverpool keeper and a fellow Hungarian, noted: “He has had two very good seasons in the Premier League… He is absolutely top class.” This is not just about physical attributes or technical flair. “He is so eager and self-assured… His focus is purely on football and family.”

That commitment is echoed throughout his journey. Whether it was catching the eye of Paolo Maldini at Gyor, dazzling at AZ Alkmaar where he earned a Golden Boy nomination, or dominating at Bournemouth — Kerkez has never stopped evolving. Brian Wijker, an AZ journalist, summed it up simply: “Milos is out-of-this-world good.”

Humble Heart, Ruthless Talent

Despite his blossoming profile, Kerkez remains grounded. He lives with his parents in Poole and values simple pleasures, famously stating: “I would rather go home for my vacation… than travel to Ibiza.” His humility is matched by a readiness to make his mark at Liverpool. As Bogdan explained, “He is not the sort to come into a building and be quiet… He will settle in straight away.”

Yet, for all his laid-back charm, Kerkez’s fierce competitiveness comes through clearly. “At his local team in Hungary… he was like a ‘young horse’, kicking everybody but with sheer commitment,” one coach recalled. That same energy and attitude are what Liverpool will be banking on as he competes with and learns from the legendary Andy Robertson.

Photo: IMAGO

Slot’s Vision Coming to Life

With Jeremie Frimpong already signed and Florian Wirtz on the verge of joining, Kerkez represents a key piece of Slot’s evolving tactical puzzle. These aren’t just talented individuals, they are versatile, intelligent players ready to thrive under a dynamic, aggressive system.

Kerkez’s defensive maturity, attacking instincts, and evident mental strength make him tailor-made for life under Slot. His friendship with new Manchester City man Tijani Reijnders, forged at AZ, hints at a player comfortable in elite circles. Now, he has the platform and pressure to match his ambition.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Liverpool fans have every right to be buzzing. Kerkez feels like the type of signing that turns a great team into a dominant one. At 21, he has the legs, lungs, and the mentality to own that left flank for the next decade. While Andy Robertson remains an elite figure, having someone of Kerkez’s calibre push him — or eventually replace him — is the type of planning that wins you not just titles, but eras.

What really hits home is his story. Kerkez isn’t some academy golden boy handed every opportunity. He’s fought, failed, adjusted, and come back better each time. Milan didn’t work out? No drama. He went to AZ Alkmaar and tore it up. Bournemouth weren’t the biggest stage? He used it as a platform.

You want character? He’s got it. You want energy? Watch that 70-yard dash again. You want quality? He was nominated for PFA Young Player of the Year for a reason.

With Frimpong on one side and Kerkez on the other, Slot could be building one of the most athletic, attacking full-back duos in world football. If Wirtz walks through the door next week as expected, Liverpool fans can dare to dream again — of domination, not just success.

Kerkez might be called a “young horse”, but Liverpool’s thoroughbred revolution is in full gallop.