Liverpool agree £40m deal for Kerkez in record-breaking summer rebuild

Transfer fee and Hughes’ influence

The Reds will pay around £40 million for the 20-year-old. According to The Athletic, this figure is £5 million lower than Bournemouth’s original £45 million asking price. Behind the scenes, Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes has played a pivotal role. Hughes, who brought Kerkez to Bournemouth from AZ Alkmaar in 2023, is a key figure familiar with the player and instrumental in accelerating the process.

tract details and tactical vision

According to The Athletic, Kerkez is expected to sign a five-year contract with Liverpool, running until the summer of 2029. With Andy Robertson’s declining form and frequent injuries, the club has been seeking a long-term solution at left-back. Kerkez’s high-octane style of play fits seamlessly into this vision.

2024/25 performance: consistency and versatility

The 2024/25 Premier League season proved to be a breakout year for Milos Kerkez. The young left-back started 37 of Bournemouth’s 38 league matches and made 41 official appearances across all competitions. He chipped in with 2 goals and 6 assists, making a tangible impact going forward. According to FBref data, he averaged 1.9 successful tackles, 2.2 ball recoveries, and 1.6 progressive passes per game, showcasing both his defensive discipline and transition play. He has also earned 23 caps for the Hungarian senior national team, adding valuable international experience.

Is the Robertson era ending?

This transfer may signal the end of the Robertson era. According to Sky Sports and The Guardian, Atlético Madrid are seriously interested in the 31-year-old Scottish left-back, with reports suggesting that Robertson is open to the idea of joining the Spanish club. Liverpool’s significant investment in Kerkez hints at a generational shift in the left-back position.

A historic summer transfer window

With Kerkez now part of the fold, Liverpool are navigating their most ambitious and expensive summer window in recent memory. The transfer window began with the signings of Jeremie Frimpong and goalkeeper Ármin Pécsi, and gained momentum with the club-record acquisition of Florian Wirtz. Now with Kerkez added to the mix, Liverpool are experiencing the most extensive and costly summer transfer window in their modern history.

Transformation built on financial stability

Liverpool’s capacity to invest at this level stems from a robust financial foundation. The 2024/25 Premier League title and record revenues, combined with last year’s cautious transfer strategy, have expanded the club’s flexibility this summer. In the summer of 2024, Liverpool signed only Giorgi Mamardashvili and Federico Chiesa, spending a total of just €42 million — €30 million for Mamardashvili and €12 million for Chiesa.

Kerkez signing as a balanced piece of a new era

The signing of Milos Kerkez not only strengthens Liverpool’s left-back options but also reflects the club’s commitment to balancing squad age and reinforcing long-term planning. Prioritising a young, dynamic, and evolving talent marks a clear step in shaping Liverpool’s long-term identity and recruitment ethos.