Miloz Kerkez may join Liverpool soon. Liverpool is close to finalizing a £40 million deal to sign 21-year-old left-back Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth. The Hungary international is expected to join the Premier League champions after two successful seasons with the Cherries. Kerkez’s transfer is “basically a done deal,” with personal terms agreed upon and only minor details left to be sorted out, according to his father, Sebastijan.
The young defender Miloz Kerkez has been impressive in his two seasons with Bournemouth, playing all 38 league games last season and contributing two goals and six assists. Kerkez’s signing is part of Liverpool’s ambitious transfer plans, which include a club-record £116.5 million move for Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz and the signing of Dutch right-back Jeremie Frimpong for £29.5 million.
Kerkez’s expected arrival at Anfield will likely impact the future of Liverpool’s left-backs Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas. Robertson, 31, has been linked with a move to Atletico Madrid, and Liverpool may allow him to leave if Kerkez becomes the new first choice. Tsimikas, on the other hand, is expected to depart as part of Liverpool’s squad reshuffle. Liverpool are keen to retain Robertson but acknowledge that he may want to move on in search of regular football.
Born in Serbia, Miloz Kerkez began his senior career at Hungarian side Gyor before moving to AC Milan and later AZ Alkmaar.Helped the team finish fourth in the Dutch top flight in 2022-23 and reach the semi-finals of the Europa Conference League.
Played all 38 league games last season, contributing two goals and six assists as the team finished ninth in the Premier League.
- International Career: Made 23 appearances for Hungary and will join compatriot Dominik Szoboszlai at Liverpool.
Milos Kerkez’s impressive stats suggest he’s the perfect fit for Liverpool’s high-pressing style under Arne Slot. The 21-year-old full-back excelled in Bournemouth’s ninth-place finish last season, showcasing his defensive prowess and attacking flair. Kerkez recovered the ball 169 times, the fifth-most of any defender in the Premier League, and more than any Liverpool defender. He also won the ball in the opposition’s attacking third 11 times, ninth-most in the division.
Kerkez’s attacking statistics are equally impressive, creating 34 chances from open play, seventh-most by a defender, and registering five assists, joint-fourth among defenders. His 142 crosses were sixth-most, and his eight big chances created were seventh-most among defenders. In terms of ball progression, Kerkez passed into the final third 476 times, 10th-most among Premier League defenders.
These statistics indicate Kerkez would fit seamlessly into Liverpool’s system, which emphasizes aggressive pressing and winning the ball high up the pitch. Although the team’s style has evolved under Slot, the fundamentals of high-pressing remain. Kerkez’s ability to adapt to Slot’s requirements both defensively and offensively makes him an attractive prospect for the Reds. With his impressive stats and potential, Kerkez could become a key player for Liverpool in the future.