Liverpool told to pay £45m to sign Premier League defender | OneFootball

Liverpool Weigh Move for Milos Kerkez as Bournemouth Set £45m Price

Liverpool are actively exploring options at left back ahead of a pivotal summer of transition—and Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez has emerged as a credible target. The 21-year-old Hungarian international is high on the club’s list of potential reinforcements, with The Times reporting that Bournemouth have set a valuation of £45 million for the highly-rated defender.

Kerkez has impressed during his debut Premier League campaign, delivering two goals and six assists in a side lauded for its attacking ambition under Andoni Iraola. With Andy Robertson turning 31 in March and Konstantinos Tsimikas approaching 29, Liverpool are keen to inject youth and dynamism into their left-sided options.

Cash Only as Bournemouth Hold Firm

Despite Liverpool’s interest, Bournemouth are clear in their stance. The report states that the south coast club “would not be interested in Caoimhin Kelleher being used as a makeweight,” instead preferring a straight cash deal should Kerkez depart.

Photo: IMAGO

Kerkez still has three years left on his contract and was signed for £15.5 million from AZ Alkmaar, where he had an outstanding 2022–23 season. That move was orchestrated by Richard Hughes—now Liverpool’s sporting director—which adds another layer of intrigue to this potential reunion.

Succession Planning at Anfield

The wider strategy at Anfield points toward succession planning. Liverpool are preparing for a new era under Arne Slot, and reinforcing in key areas will be a priority. Kerkez fits the mould: young, progressive, and Premier League-proven.

Photo: IMAGO

While no formal bid has been lodged, Liverpool’s interest is genuine. With other elite European clubs also tracking the Hungarian—including Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Chelsea—the competition could drive up the price.

Bournemouth’s Evolving Model

Bournemouth remain in a strong financial position. As The Times notes, they are “in a strong position to comply with the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules” and sit within touching distance of European qualification.

Chairman Bill Foley has publicly stated that he will not stand in the way of players seeking moves up the footballing ladder, aligning with the club’s model to develop and sell talent. Alongside Kerkez, 19-year-old Dean Huijsen—on loan from Juventus—is also attracting major attention, with a £50m release clause in his contract.

Photo IMAGO

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For  Liverpool supporters, this is exactly the sort of link you want to see. A young, athletic left back already holding his own in the Premier League, with room to grow and a technical ceiling still untapped? Kerkez ticks a lot of boxes.

It’s no secret that Andy Robertson, while still reliable, is no longer the relentless overlapping force of two or three years ago. And while Tsimikas has been a decent deputy, he hasn’t truly convinced as a long-term heir.

What stands out about Kerkez is the combination of aggression and final-third quality. Six assists in a mid-table side is no small feat, and his attacking output has been consistent since his AZ days. Add to that his age and adaptability, and you can see why Liverpool’s data-driven recruitment would be interested.

The £45m fee feels steep—but only by historical standards. If Liverpool believe Kerkez can be part of the team for five or six seasons, it quickly begins to look like smart investment, especially with Richard Hughes likely championing the move from within.