Milos Kerkez Liverpool transfer close as Arne Slot set to take spending to £185m

Liverpool are on the verge of wrapping up a £40 million deal to bring Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez to Anfield, as Arne Slot’s ambitious summer rebuild continues to gather pace.

The highly rated Hungarian left-back has been a long-term target for the Reds, and after weeks of behind-the-scenes negotiations, a breakthrough has now been achieved between the two Premier League clubs.At just 21 years old, Kerkez is set to become the most expensive left-back in Liverpool’s history, eclipsing the £12 million fee paid for Alberto Moreno in 2014.

The move marks a significant investment in the club’s defensive options and reinforces the club’s aggressive approach to the summer transfer window.Reports indicate that Kerkez will undergo a medical next week before putting pen to paper on a five-year deal. Once confirmed, the signing will take Liverpool’s summer transfer expenditure to an eye-watering £185 million.

This comes on the back of already-confirmed deals for Jeremie Frimpong (£29m) and a record-breaking £116m move for German international Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen.Kerkez has been vocal about his desire to move to Merseyside, having subtly hinted at his ambitions across social media platforms.

His commitment to joining the Reds was further confirmed by his father, Sebastijan, who recently appeared on the *Super Indirektno* podcast and stated unequivocally: “It’s only Liverpool for us and we’re not going anywhere else. Everything is done between us.”

Richard Hughes, Liverpool’s sporting director who joined from Bournemouth last year, is believed to have played a key role in facilitating the transfer. According to Sebastijan Kerkez, the family’s trust in Hughes was so complete that if he had instructed them to move to India, they would have followed.

Bournemouth had initially held off finalizing the deal while awaiting a replacement for Kerkez. That obstacle was cleared earlier this week when the Cherries completed the signing of Adrien Truffert from Rennes for a fee in the region of £14 million, paving the way for the Hungarian’s exit.

Kerkez’s arrival raises immediate questions about the future of Andy Robertson, who has struggled with injuries in recent seasons. While the Scottish defender remains a fan favorite, Kerkez’s youth, pace, and attacking instincts align well with Arne Slot’s vision for a more dynamic Liverpool.

Slot’s tactical philosophy demands full-backs who can both defend with discipline and contribute significantly in the final third. Kerkez, who impressed in the Premier League last season with Bournemouth, fits that profile perfectly.

His ability to carry the ball forward, deliver dangerous crosses, and recover defensively has drawn comparisons to elite modern-day full-backs.The former AZ Alkmaar player made a name for himself in the Eredivisie before moving to Bournemouth, where he quickly became a standout performer.

His transition to English football has been seamless, and his performances against top opposition, including Manchester United and Manchester City, have not gone unnoticed.Kerkez’s signing also speaks to Liverpool’s broader transfer strategy this summer. With Giorgi Mamardashvili set to arrive from Valencia after a £29m deal agreed last year, and Jeremie Frimpong already confirmed, the Reds are reinforcing their squad with youth and versatility across key positions.

The £116m signing of Florian Wirtz, expected to be finalized imminently, underlines the ambition under Arne Slot, who is determined not to let the post-Klopp era feel like a step back. These moves suggest Liverpool are not just rebuilding — they’re reloading for a title challenge.Slot has been heavily involved in player evaluations since his appointment and has insisted on players who match his high-intensity, proactive football style.

Kerkez’s energy and aggression are seen as critical assets for what will be a refreshed Liverpool backline.The investment in defense also comes amid potential exits. Jarell Quansah is closing in on a £35m move away from the club, and while the deal is not yet done, it would provide additional funds to reinvest elsewhere, potentially offsetting the fee for Kerkez.

With Kerkez expected to join up with the squad before pre-season kicks off, fans will be eager to see how quickly he adapts to the demands of a top club with European ambitions. His arrival, along with the club’s other high-profile additions, could shape Liverpool into one of the most exciting squads in Europe.

For now, all that remains is the formal confirmation and medical — but in the words of the player’s father, the deal is “basically done.” Liverpool are getting their man, and with him, a bold signal of intent for the season ahead.