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Liverpool Face £45m Price Tag for Kerkez as Bournemouth Set Stance

Bournemouth’s transfer strategy signals intent

Bournemouth are preparing for a significant summer of movement in the transfer market, with their resolve being tested on several key players following a standout Premier League season. After accepting the inevitability of losing centre-back Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid in a £50m deal, the Cherries are positioning themselves to command maximum value from other high-profile departures.

The Spanish defender is expected to complete his switch to the Bernabéu in the coming days, with sources indicating that an agreement is “only a matter of time”. Real Madrid intend to have Huijsen integrated into the squad in time for the Club World Cup this June.

That move comes despite strong interest from Liverpool, Arsenal, and Newcastle United, all of whom were informed by the player’s representatives that his preference lay with a return to Spain. “I think there will be changes in the summer,” Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola told The Sports Agents podcast. “Yes, probably some players will leave. We will try to keep as many as we can, especially the ones that have performed so well. But the club has to be ready for these movements.”

Liverpool interested in Kerkez amid left-back search

With Huijsen on his way out, attention turns to left-back Milos Kerkez, who has emerged as a top target for Liverpool as they look to reinforce that area of the pitch. Bournemouth, however, have set their valuation at £45m — a figure that has, so far, prevented any formal offer from the Merseyside club.

Kerkez, who joined from AZ Alkmaar and impressed in his first Premier League campaign, is seen as a key component of Bournemouth’s rebuild. His performances have drawn admiration from several top-flight clubs, but Bournemouth’s strategy is not to be bullied in the market. The club believes their project — led by Iraola — is on an upward trajectory and warrants firm resistance to undervalued bids.

Bournemouth pricing reflects Premier League PSR strategy

Liverpool are also monitoring Ajax’s Jorrel Hato as a potential alternative. Hato, versatile and likely to come cheaper than Kerkez, represents a more budget-conscious option, but Kerkez is said to be preferred for his aggressive style and Premier League readiness.

Bournemouth’s valuations across the squad reflect both strong negotiating positions and a savvy approach to the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR). With Huijsen yielding a profit of roughly £37m within a year of signing, the club is in a favourable PSR position heading into the transfer window.

Premium valuations set for other Bournemouth stars

The Cherries are not just holding firm on Kerkez. Right winger Antoine Semenyo is valued in excess of £70m amid interest from Newcastle and Manchester United. Meanwhile, centre-back Illya Zabarnyi — on the radar of Newcastle and admired by Manchester City — has a starting price of around £50m. Notably, none of these three players are understood to have release clauses, granting Bournemouth significant leverage.

Despite potential exits, Bournemouth are expected to continue investing in the squad this summer. Iraola has held discussions with the board about potential targets and remains committed to the club’s ambitions despite interest from clubs seeking managerial changes.

Bournemouth’s firm stance, clear valuation strategy, and a manager aligned with the project point to a club no longer content with survival — but rather one intent on long-term growth. Whether Liverpool meet the £45m valuation for Kerkez could be a defining subplot of the window ahead.