Liverpool have completed a major defensive reinforcement by agreeing a £40 million deal to sign Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth. The highly-rated Hungarian left-back is set to become the latest addition to Arne Slot’s squad as the Reds look to defend their Premier League title and strengthen for an ambitious 2025/26 campaign.
The 21-year-old joins after an impressive season with Bournemouth, where he played every single Premier League match and helped the Cherries achieve a club-record ninth-place finish and 56 points. Kerkez contributed two goals and six assists across the season, attracting attention from Europe’s elite before Liverpool won the race for his signature.
Kerkez’s arrival also reunites him with Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes, who worked with him during his time at Bournemouth. It also adds depth to Liverpool’s left flank and raises questions about the futures of current left-backs Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas.
Rising Star with a European Pedigree
Born in Serbia but representing Hungary at the international level, Kerkez began his senior career at Gyor before joining Italian giants AC Milan. Although he never made a senior appearance for the Rossoneri, a move to Dutch side AZ Alkmaar in January 2022 gave Kerkez the platform to shine.
In the 2022–23 season, he played 52 times for AZ, scoring five goals and providing seven assists, helping the club to a fourth-place Eredivisie finish and a run to the UEFA Europa Conference League semi-finals. His performances caught the eye of Bournemouth, who signed him in the summer of 2023.
At Vitality Stadium, Kerkez’s tenacity, stamina, and creativity stood out, earning him recognition as one of the most complete young full-backs in the Premier League. His defensive work rate and attacking instincts perfectly suit the modern game.
A Slot-Style Full-Back
Kerkez’s style of play makes him an ideal fit for Arne Slot’s system. While the Dutchman’s tactics differ in tempo from Jurgen Klopp’s renowned “heavy metal” football, Slot still prioritizes high pressing, structured intensity, and quick ball recoveries—traits Kerkez thrives in.
Statistics back up his credentials. Kerkez made 169 ball recoveries last season—the fifth-highest among all Premier League defenders and more than any current Liverpool full-back. He also recovered the ball 11 times in the attacking third, ranking ninth among defenders.
Offensively, Kerkez created 34 chances from open play, fifth-most for defenders in the league, and delivered 142 crosses. His five assists ranked joint-fourth, and he completed 22 dribbles—more than any Liverpool defender.
Moreover, he completed 476 passes into the final third, showcasing his vision and forward-thinking approach. Slot is expected to use Kerkez in a dynamic role, supporting attacks while maintaining his defensive duties.
What This Means for Liverpool
The Reds are undergoing a mini-rebuild under Slot, and the signing of Kerkez shows the club’s intent to blend youth with high-level performance. He will join fellow Hungarian Dominik Szoboszlai at Anfield, further strengthening the national bond at the club.
Liverpool’s recruitment this summer has been aggressive. Alongside Kerkez, the club is nearing a £116 million deal for Bayer Leverkusen playmaker Florian Wirtz and has already signed Jeremie Frimpong for £29.5 million from the same German side.
With speculation surrounding Andy Robertson—who has been linked to Atletico Madrid—Liverpool may be planning for the long term. While they are keen to retain the 31-year-old Scot, back-up defender Kostas Tsimikas may be allowed to leave.
Kerkez’s signing could mark a changing of the guard at left-back, with the Hungarian offering both immediate quality and long-term potential.
Conclusion
For Liverpool fans, Kerkez’s arrival is another sign of a fresh era under Arne Slot. Young, hungry, and technically gifted, the former Bournemouth man is poised to become a key figure in Liverpool’s next generation.
