Liverpool has placed Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez at the top of its summer transfer wishlist, despite showing interest in Wolves’ Rayan Ait-Nouri. The Reds are on the hunt for a new left-back ahead of next season and have been exploring options across Europe.
Premier League players Ait-Nouri and Kerkez have emerged as potential targets for Liverpool, having both proven themselves as accomplished fullbacks in recent seasons. However, it seems that Anfield’s decision-makers, including Arne Slot, have a favourite.
Kerkez is Liverpool’s primary target for the summer transfer window, even though the Reds have scouted Ait-Nouri multiple times. Manchester City is also said to be interested in the Wolves defender.
However, securing a deal for Ait-Nouri could prove challenging, reports The Telegraph. Wolves is planning to offer the Algerian a new contract to keep him at Molineux beyond this summer, with the player valued at around $67 million (£50 million)
Ait-Nouri still has two years left on his current contract, and his former club Angers retains a 50% sell-on clause for any future deal.
Nevertheless, Wolves is expected to buy out that clause for approximately $12 million (£9 million) and is hopeful of agreeing terms on an extended stay before pre-season.
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This situation could lead Liverpool to prioritise a move for Kerkez. The Hungarian joined Bournemouth from Dutch side AZ Alkmaar in 2023 and has impressed this season, contributing two goals and six assists in the Premier League.
On the potential transfer front, it’s been said that Bournemouth is hoping to pocket about $60 million (£45 million) if it agrees to sell a key defender.
Manager Andoni Iraola seems open to negotiations, expressing, “I don’t think it’s any different from previous years, especially when the team has done a good job.
“It happened to us last season. We didn’t know what was going to happen with some players. We lost Lloyd Kelly and after that Dom Solanke.”
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“We don’t really know what is going to happen in the summer, we are still focused on other things, but right now all the players are ours and, if nothing happens, they will continue to be ours next season also. So I don’t think it’s going to be different from other summers.”
“We will focus on trying to improve the team, and add new players if we can, and if some player leaves because someone comes with what the club considers to be a good offer, we have to be ready for those situations, but not with fear.
“It is something that all the clubs, especially the ones who are not at the highest level like the top, top teams, have to get used to.”
