Liverpool near deal for Milos Kerkez as left-back succession plan takes shape

Liverpool are edging closer to an agreement for Milos Kerkez as they continue to overhaul their backline ahead of the new season. Having strengthened the right-back position with the signing of Jeremie Frimpong, the focus has now shifted to the left, with Bournemouth's dynamic full-back emerging as the club’s top target.

According to TalkSport, the Premier League champions are preparing a bid in the region of £45 million for the 21-year-old. The talks are progressing positively, with sporting director Richard Hughes leading negotiations—a figure well-acquainted with Kerkez after orchestrating his move from AZ Alkmaar to Bournemouth in 2023.

Kerkez enjoyed a breakthrough 2024–25 campaign, starting in 37 of Bournemouth’s 38 Premier League matches. FBref data highlights his all-round contributions: an average of 1.9 successful tackles, 2.2 ball recoveries, and 1.6 progressive passes per match. He also featured regularly for his country, earning 23 caps for Hungary at senior level.

Long-term vision at left-back

With Andy Robertson showing signs of physical decline and Kostas Tsimikas limited to sporadic appearances, Liverpool’s technical staff are seeking a long-term solution for the left-back position. BBC Sport and Liverpool Echo have both reported that Robertson’s role could be scaled back, while Tsimikas may be on his way out.

Kerkez profiles as a modern, high-tempo full-back with two-way capabilities—comfortable defending in space and pushing forward in transition. His playing style aligns with Arne Slot’s tactical preferences, especially his use of overlapping full-backs during his time at Feyenoord, where he utilised Quilindschy Hartman in a comparable role.

Bournemouth’s defensive core in flux

Kerkez’s potential departure would mark a second major defensive exit for Bournemouth this summer. Dean Huijsen has already sealed a move to Real Madrid, and now Illia Zabarnyi is being pursued by Paris Saint-Germain. As reported by Fabrizio Romano, PSG have opened direct talks for the Ukrainian centre-back, with sporting advisor Luis Campos personally driving the deal.

If both Kerkez and Zabarnyi leave in the same window, Andoni Iraola will face a complete rebuild of his back four—raising questions not just about squad depth but the structural integrity of Bournemouth’s entire defensive setup.

For Liverpool, however, Kerkez represents more than a signing—he could be the cornerstone of a generational shift in defence. Should the deal go through, the long-speculated question of “Who succeeds Robertson?” may finally have a definitive answer.