Milos Kerkez will now play for Arne Slot's Liverpool. The Hungarian left-back is joining from Bournemouth and has signed a long-term contract at Anfield. According to English media, Liverpool is paying over 45 million euros and has offered Kerkez a five-year deal.
Liverpool’s interest in Milos Kerkez had been simmering for months and was widely regarded as one of the worst-kept secrets in European football.
The Premier League champions had long identified the Hungarian international as a prime target to bolster their defensive ranks, particularly with concerns growing over the need for a long-term successor to Andy Robertson. The Scottish left-back, a fan favorite and a consistent performer, has held the position since his arrival from Hull City in 2017. However, with Robertson now entering the latter stages of his peak years and having struggled with injuries in recent seasons, Liverpool felt the time was right to plan for the future.
Kerkez, just 21 years old, fits the club’s recruitment model perfectly: young, talented, tactically flexible, and already experienced at both club and international level. His energy, aggression, and ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch make him a natural fit for Arne Slot’s high-tempo style. Sources close to the club describe him as a player with a relentless work ethic, a strong personality, and a drive to improve traits that were crucial in convincing Liverpool’s technical staff to push forward with the €45 million deal.
For Kerkez, the move to Anfield is not just a professional step up it’s a dream come true. The Hungarian full-back will join a squad brimming with talent, but he won’t arrive without support. His transfer reunites him with fellow Hungarian Dominik Szoboszlai, who joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2023 and quickly became a key figure in midfield. The presence of a close friend and national teammate is expected to ease Kerkez’s transition and help him adapt to the pressure and expectations of playing for a club of Liverpool’s stature.
Kerkez’s football journey has been nothing short of meteoric. Born in Vrbas, Serbia, he moved to Hungary at a young age and began his football development there. His breakthrough came when he signed with AC Milan’s youth academy, but it was his move to AZ Alkmaar in early 2022 that truly launched his senior career. At AZ, he impressed immediately with his pace, stamina, and fearless forward runs, quickly establishing himself as one of the Eredivisie’s most exciting young players. His performances drew interest from clubs across Europe, but it was Bournemouth who secured his services in the summer of 2023.
At the South Coast club, Kerkez continued his rise. Despite Bournemouth’s status as a mid-table Premier League team, he stood out with mature displays against top opposition and quickly earned a reputation as one of the league’s best young defenders. His development did not go unnoticed at international level either, as he became a regular starter for Hungary and played a key role in their successful qualification campaign for Euro 2024.
Liverpool’s recruitment this summer signals a clear intent to rejuvenate their squad and add depth in key areas. Before Kerkez, the club had already secured the high-profile signings of Florian Wirtz, the creative German midfielder from Bayer Leverkusen, and Jeremie Frimpong, the dynamic right-back also from Leverkusen. Both players add flair, youth, and Champions League experience to a squad that aims not only to defend its Premier League crown but also to mount a serious challenge in Europe.
In addition to these marquee signings, Liverpool also brought in Hungarian goalkeeper Ármin Pécsi, who is expected to serve as a backup to Alisson Becker. Although Pécsi may not feature prominently this season, his arrival further underlines the club’s growing connection with Hungarian talent, a trend fueled in part by the success of Szoboszlai.
The acquisition of Milos Kerkez could mark the beginning of a new chapter for Liverpool’s defense. While he will initially compete with Robertson for a starting spot, the club views him as the future of the left-back position. With his best years still ahead of him, Kerkez arrives at Anfield not just with promise, but with the hunger and maturity to seize the opportunity.
