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Liverpool’s search for a new left-back has seen Milos Kerkez emerge as the frontrunner in recent weeks, with David Ornstein providing his latest over the weekend.
The 21-year-old Hungarian international has impressed during his time with the Cherries, contributing two goals and six assists in 31 Premier League appearances this season.
Milos Kerkez’s recent decision to switch agents to Fali Ramadani, who facilitated Federico Chiesa’s transfer to Liverpool in 2024, could simplify potential negotiations for a move to Anfield.
Bournemouth owner Bill Foley has already revealed that he will not standing in the way of any of his players looking to move on in the summer, with the Cherries having to sell some players for FFP purposes.
Reports assert that the Reds are leading the race to secure the promising Hungarian defender in a deal worth around £45 million this summer.
The significant price tag represents a considerable increase on Liverpool’s previous left-back investments, with Andy Robertson costing just £8 million and Kostas Tsimikas signed for £11.75 million.
However, with Robertson now 31 and showing signs of decline after years of consistent service, the club’s recruitment team appears willing to make a substantial investment in Kerkez’s potential.
The young defender has done little to dampen the transfer speculation, recently admitting his ambitions extend beyond his current club.
In an interview with The Athletic, Kerkez stated: “As a kid, you dream to play at the highest level, win the trophies, be on the best teams… In the summer, we will see what happens.”
Now speaking to NBC Sport, Ornstein revealed that if Liverpool do indeed make a move for the Hungarian fullback, one of Tsimikas or Robertson would need to depart Anfield:
“Liverpool’s ambition is expected to be underlined by their transfer plans in the summer?
They’ve saved money in the last couple of windows, so their finances are in good shape to add a striker, for example,” David Ornstein said.
“To strengthen at left-back, someone like a Milos Kerkez – although that will require someone like Andy Robertson or Kostas Tsimikas to depart.”
Both players have served Liverpool with distinction and would be tough to see either of them go.
But Arne Slot certainly seems to have less sentimentality than his predecessor, and all signs point toward the Dutchman making the difficult decision of letting one fullback go this summer.
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