Bournemouth is ramping up its search for a new left-back as it braces for the exit of Milos Kerkez, days after he sent his biggest transfer hint yet.
Liverpool is still leading the race to secure the signature of the Hungarian international, who has also caught the eye of Manchester City. Arne Slot‘s Reds are eager to bring in some competition for Andy Robertson during the off-season, with Greek international Kostas Tsimikas likely to leave Anfield.
The Cherries see 20-year-old Julio Soler, a January signing from Argentine side Lanus, as a potential regular starter under Andoni Iraola at the Vitality Stadium. Soler’s arrival was part of Bournemouth‘s forward planning, and they’ve been operating under the assumption that Kerkez is set to move on due to his impressive performances.
However, they’re still likely to bolster their full-back options, and there are two main targets on Bournemouth’s wish list. Real Madrid’s Fran Garcia has been on their radar since December, although the Spanish player could command a fee of up to $27M.
Los Blancos have also been linked with Kerkez, but it’s unclear whether they’ll be in the market for a left-back, and they’re expected to consider offers for Garcia if they’re deemed suitable.
Another player attracting attention is Wolves’ Hugo Bueno, who has stood out in the Champions League this season while on loan at Feyenoord in Holland. Wolves are open to retaining Bueno this summer as they anticipate strong transfer interest in Rayan Ait-Nouri.
(Image: AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
Bournemouth’s head of football operations, Tiago Pinto, is reportedly keen on Club Brugge’s Maxim De Cuyper, but it seems Juventus are leading the race for his signature. Speculation suggests a fee over $53M for Kerkez, and with a host of clubs interested, Bournemouth might just spark a bidding frenzy.
In a conversation with The Athletic, Kerkez shared his ambitions, saying: “Yeah. As a kid, you dream to play at the highest level, win the trophies, be on the best teams. These are the things that my agent is on and my dad is on. It is not something that they occupy me with because the season is still going, so there’s no point to talk about anything.”
This season, Kerkez has found the back of the net twice in the Premier League and has set up five goals. The Hungarian international recently joined forces with Fali Ramadani’s Lian Sports agency, which also represents stars like Federico Chiesa, strengthening his ties with the powers that be at Anfield.
