Bournemouth set £45m price tag amid Liverpool transfer interest | OneFootball

Liverpool Monitor Milos Kerkez as Left-Back Competition Intensifies

Liverpool’s ongoing pursuit of squad evolution has led them to Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez—a 21-year-old left-back who has impressed in his debut Premier League season. As The Times reports, Bournemouth have placed a £45million price tag on the Hungarian international, making it clear they will only entertain a straight cash deal.

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Kerkez is firmly on Liverpool’s radar, seen as a potential addition to provide competition and long-term cover for Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas. Having contributed two goals and six assists from left-back under Andoni Iraola, his influence at the Vitality Stadium has not gone unnoticed.

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Cash-only approach signals Bournemouth’s intent

The south coast club are in no rush to sell. “Bournemouth want a straight cash deal and would not be interested in Caoimhin Kelleher, the Liverpool goalkeeper, being used as a makeweight,” The Times reports.

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It’s a stance that underlines their strong financial footing. With three years remaining on Kerkez’s deal and a clear development model in place, Bournemouth remain well-positioned under the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules.

Familiar face in the frame

One of the interesting subplots is the involvement of Richard Hughes—Bournemouth’s former technical director who brought Kerkez to England from AZ Alkmaar for £15.5m. Hughes now serves as Liverpool’s sporting director, and his knowledge of the player’s development trajectory could influence Liverpool’s internal discussions.

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Chairman Bill Foley has previously stated he “would not stand in their way if they want to leave,” hinting that exits are part of a structured long-term vision.

Development pedigree adds value

Kerkez has already shown his pedigree, with 52 appearances in his first full season at AZ helping them to a top-four finish in the Eredivisie and a Europa Conference League semi-final. His attacking output continues to stand out—something Liverpool’s full-back system requires.

Bournemouth’s commitment to nurturing young talent has also seen interest grow in Dean Huijsen, who reportedly has a £50m release clause and has already debuted for Spain.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

This potential move feels smart, measured and aligned with how the club used to operate at its best. Milos Kerkez may not yet be a household name, but he fits the profile: technically sound, forward-thinking, and already proving himself at Premier League level.

Andy Robertson can’t go on forever, and while Kostas Tsimikas has been a reliable understudy, he hasn’t always convinced. What Kerkez offers is more than just depth—he offers genuine competition, and that’s what this Liverpool side needs if it’s to evolve and challenge across four fronts.

There’s also something reassuring in the Richard Hughes link. If Hughes was confident enough to bring Kerkez into Bournemouth’s setup, and now sees him as a solution at Liverpool, that trust in continuity and insight could pay off.

The £45m fee? It’s substantial, but in this market—and given his age and trajectory—it might look reasonable in two years. This feels like a move built for sustainability and squad balance, rather than headlines.