A report claims that Liverpool will defeat Manchester United and City in the competition to sign left-back Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth. As the Scotland captain struggles to recover the form that made him such an important piece in Jurgen Klopp’s winning machine, the Reds seem to be looking to replace him. Since joining the Cherries in the summer of 2023, Kerkez has made an impression. Richard Hughes, the new sporting director of Liverpool, brought him to the Vitality.
A move to the Merseyside club and their Manchester rivals has been suggested for Dominik Szoboszlai’s international teammate, but The iPaper claims that he prefers a move to Anfield, with the Hughes connection being vital. The source further asserts that although Liverpool is planning to gazump rivals in the competition for the 21-year-old, a deal will not be reached in January since the Bournemouth management is only interested in dealing for about £50 million in the summer.
Liverpool set to beat Man Utd to £50m signing
A youthful and motivated left-back or left wing-back is what Liverpool and Manchester United are looking for. Liverpool’s hunt is a result of their recognition that Andy Robertson is a player in decline. With only one assist this season, the once-dependable Scot’s attacking threat has disappeared, and he has occasionally battled to keep up. Kerkez is reportedly “nearing a move” to Anfield, but the transfer isn’t expected to happen until the summer.
Although Bournemouth signed Julio Soler, Kerkez’s long-term replacement, earlier this month, they are refusing to approve a mid-season sale. Liverpool must therefore wait six months before acquiring Kerkez, who is expected to cost around £50 million, according to the article. “A link-up with Liverpool director of football Richard Hughes, the man who brought Kerkez to England during his time on the south coast, is understood to play a major part in the Hungary international’s thinking,” the article continued.