Latest developments
- Liverpool are eyeing a move for Bournemouth's Milos Kerkez.
- Cherries left-back could cost the Reds £50 million.
- Kerkez is seen as Andy Robertson's future replacement.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (3.5/5): The Mirror can be trusted at times
Liverpool have been in the market for a left-back since last year as the ageing Robertson edges towards the end of his Liverpool career. The Scottish has not adapted to Arne Slot's style of football very well, with Kostas Tsimikas outperforming the 30-year-old this season.
As per The Mirror, Liverpool have identified Kerkez as their outright left-back choice for the future, and the report has suggested that the operation to sign him for Bournemouth could cost the club in the region of £50 million.
The Mirror does not have the best coverage regarding transfer news but they cannot be dismissed out of hand as the source is known to be right at times.
Value (4/5): Kerkez worth every bit of the £50 million
Bournemouth signed Kerkez in the summer of 2023 for a reported fee of £14.5 million. Since then, the Hungary international has been in top form and has shown enough to be labelled as one of the best left-backs in the Premier League.
For the fee that Bournemouth are likely to demand for the 21-year-old, Liverpool can hardly find any better left-back who can easily slot right into Slot's defence.
Suitability (5/5): Liverpool need a possession-based left-back
The talented Cherries defender has been one of the stars of Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth project. Kerkez set up both goals in an unlikely 2-1 win over Manchester City a couple of weeks ago and is being monitored by a number of clubs over a summer move.
Kerkez's abilities going forward are well-known but the Hungarian is also an adept defender who can reliably cover the left side of the pitch. His agility and pace would make him able to cover balls in behind Liverpool's high backline.
Upgrade? (3.5/5): Tsimikas' inconsistency and Robertson's age
Liverpool currently have two very secure left-backs in the form of Robertson and Tsimikas. While the former has been the best left-back in the Premier League over the last few years, Slot's system has not been kind to the Scotsman. On the other hand, Tsimikas has shown a lot of promise under the Dutchman, but his inconsistency has been hurting his chances of breaking into the starting eleven.
Kerkez would not be an immediate starter over Robertson in most cases, however, another drop in form for the Scotland international would easily put Kerkez into the running to become the first-choice left-back at Anfield.
Logic (4.5/5): A no-brainer to go for Kerkez
Liverpool are on the lookout to create yet another dynasty following Jurgen Klopp's departure and seem ready to trust Slot with investments. As such, spending money on Kerkez would be the surefire way to show their words are true and get support from the fans.
As for Kerkez, Bournemouth are already expecting the current season to be his last at Vitality Stadium and making the move to a Premier League and Champions League challenger would make a lot of sense for the Hungarian.
Whisper+ final verdict – 20.5/25
Liverpool are in a tough spot off the field with the contracts of Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold set to expire next summer. The Reds are uncertain about the key trio's futures beyond this season and they would hope that further investment into strengthening the squad will convince them it is worth staying at Anfield.
Signing Kerkez could be one way to show that the club is interested in taking the fight to their opposition and winning all titles possible.
