Liverpool’s seek for full-back reinforcements seems to be getting into its last section, and Milos Kerkez is the identify on each knowledgeable tongue. The 20-year-old Hungarian worldwide, at present at Bournemouth, is anticipated to make the transfer to Anfield in a deal reported to be price round £42 million.
Commercial
It’s a determine that may increase eyebrows, however context issues. At simply 20, Kerkez boasts two full Premier League campaigns, European expertise, and a mode of play that matches Jürgen Klopp’s — or maybe Arne Slot’s — imaginative and prescient for the fashionable full-back.
The Mendes Parallel
In the event you’re searching for a comparability, look no additional than Nuno Mendes. The Portuguese star joined PSG with promise however rawness, identified primarily for his attacking instincts. Quick ahead two seasons, and he’s arguably the very best two-way full-back in Europe. It’s no coincidence that Liverpool scouts see Kerkez following that trajectory.
Mendes refined his recreation underneath the lights of Paris: stronger within the problem, sharper in his positioning, and smarter in transition. Kerkez, comparable in construct and athletic profile, already possesses the uncooked components — tempo, energy, and an aggressive front-foot mentality. What he wants is the fitting ecosystem to flourish, and Liverpool would possibly simply present that.
Why Liverpool Want Him
The left-back place has turn into an evolving puzzle. Andy Robertson stays a fan favorite, however accidents and tactical shifts have made it clear the Scot can’t do all of it on his personal. Kostas Tsimikas has struggled to make a constant impression, whereas Joe Gomez’s versatility can’t paper over the cracks long-term.
Commercial
Kerkez brings one thing totally different — a high-energy, attacking full-back who may maintain his personal defensively. His performances at Bournemouth have been mature past his years. He began 38 video games within the 2024/25 season, hardly ever exhibiting indicators of fatigue or inconsistency.
Slot’s anticipated 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 techniques rely closely on width from full-backs. Kerkez provides pure width, overlapping runs, and a mind for link-up play with inside forwards — an important ingredient for gamers like Florian Wirtz or Luis Díaz (ought to he keep).
The Stats Behind the Promise
Prior to now Premier League season, Kerkez averaged:
Commercial
That places him among the many prime under-23 full-backs within the league throughout a number of metrics. However stats solely inform a part of the story. Kerkez’s tenacity, self-discipline, and confidence in possession give Liverpool one thing they’ve lacked since Robertson’s peak.
What Comes Subsequent?
Whereas nothing is official but, the expectation is obvious: Liverpool need Kerkez, and Kerkez desires Liverpool. The charge is excessive however displays each expertise and future-proofing — an indicator of the Michael Edwards recruitment mannequin.
If and when the deal is confirmed, the Hungarian will possible stroll into the beginning XI. Robertson’s affect would possibly progressively wane, with Kerkez taking the reins on the left. His growth will likely be watched carefully, and comparisons with Mendes will persist. However Liverpool followers may discover that in Kerkez, they’ve secured their left-back for the following decade.
Remaining Phrase
Liverpool aren’t simply investing in a full-back; they’re investing in evolution. As Arne Slot begins his tenure, count on to see a extra dynamic, pace-driven system — and Milos Kerkez could possibly be on the coronary heart of it. Whether or not bombing ahead to help Salah or monitoring again to snuff out hazard, Kerkez embodies the way forward for Liverpool’s defence.
