Kerkez to Liverpool: Dave Hendrick On The Deal That Solves a Big Problem | OneFootball

Liverpool Land Milos Kerkez: A Long-Term Gamble with Sky-High Upside

Liverpool’s summer recruitment drive under Arne Slot has taken another bold step forward with the official arrival of Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth. As confirmed on The Daily Red podcast, Dave Hendrick provided an enthusiastic breakdown of the Hungarian left-back’s signing, with his move reportedly worth up to £40 million. It’s an acquisition that offers immediate promise and long-term planning, as Liverpool seek to reinforce their dominance following a title-winning campaign.

Why Kerkez Fits Liverpool’s Ambition

Dave Hendrick opened the podcast with a buoyant mood: “It’s a very good day to be a Red because Liverpool have announced the official signing of Milos Kerkez.” While the final fee remains unconfirmed, Hendrick believes “£35 million and maybe some add-ons… is a really good deal.” He called the initial £50 million valuation “significantly too much,” pointing instead to a sensible structure that reflects both value and potential.

What makes this signing particularly striking is Kerkez’s experience at such a young age. “We’re getting a 21-year-old who doesn’t turn 22 till November… has already completed two seasons in the Premier League,” Hendrick noted. “He’s also racked up 23 international caps already,” he added, pointing to a player already proven on multiple fronts.

The Journey of a Fearless Prospect

Kerkez’s career path has been anything but conventional. “He begins with OFK Verbus… moves to Rapid Vienna… plays for a team in Hungary whose name I won’t even try and pronounce,” Hendrick joked. From there, the left-back was snapped up by none other than AC Milan—at the request of Paolo Maldini. Hendrick didn’t mince his words: “When the greatest left back of all time has a look at you and thinks, ‘Yeah, you’re pretty good,’ that’s a really good sign.”

Despite the prestige of Milan, Kerkez struggled to settle, prompting a move to AZ Alkmaar where he truly flourished. “In 2022, he becomes first-choice left-back and is just outstanding for them,” Hendrick said. It was at this point that Hendrick, ever watchful, first flagged Kerkez as a potential successor to Andy Robertson. “I brought him up on a Transfer Committee pod as a Robbo successor.”

Kerkez opted for Bournemouth over Benfica, lured by the Premier League’s intensity and a clearer route to regular football. Since arriving in England, he’s impressed: “He’s been outstanding since coming to the Premier League,” said Hendrick. “This season he’s had a really strong year.”

Power, Pace and a Future on the Flank

Kerkez’s physical profile is one that screams Liverpool. “Endless energy, powerful, absolutely fearless, quality on the ball,” said Hendrick. “He has the physicality, he has the pace, he has the power… and he’s very robust.” With Florian Wirtz expected to play a narrow role from the left, Hendrick believes Kerkez “could just completely dominate that flank.”

The defensive side of his game still needs refinement. “He has work to do… especially on the defensive side,” Hendrick cautioned. Yet the upside is undeniable: “At 21… the ceiling is sky high. We could get 10 years out of this kid at left-back.”

Edwards and Hughes Making Their Mark

This signing, Liverpool’s fifth of the summer, adds to a growing sense that the new regime is not only active but astute. “John Henry must have gotten the good loving from Linda,” Hendrick quipped, “because what is this that we’re seeing? Money being thrown around… by the right people.” Hendrick praised Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes for “answering all of the criticism that was levelled at them last summer.”

With more signings potentially incoming, including Marc Guéhi, the strategy appears clear. Liverpool are not just buying depth, they are shaping a team to compete for years. As Hendrick put it, “This is us boxing off a position long term.”

Kerkez’s arrival may not grab global headlines, but make no mistake: Liverpool have invested in a player who fits their philosophy, timeline and ambitions. As Hendrick summed up: “This is a good signing.”