Milos Kerkez could be on the brink of securing his dream shirt number at Liverpool, if manager Arne Slot can orchestrate a second transfer deal. The Bournemouth standout is nearing a move to Anfield.
The Reds had prioritised signing a new left-back for this summer’s transfer window. First-choice Andy Robertson has had a challenging season, with his form dipping, and doubts linger over Kostas Tsimikas’ capabilities. If Kerkez can’t be signed, Jorrel Hato is set to be looked at.
Kerkez quickly rose to the top of Liverpool’s wishlist following an impressive stint with the Cherries. He has featured in all of their 36 Premier League matches this season, contributing to a new club-record points tally.
He has also become a fixture for Hungary internationally and played a key role at Euro 2024, where they narrowly missed out on advancing to the knockout stages due to goal difference. The 21 year old is now on the verge of heading north.
Liverpool executives have initiated discussions with their Bournemouth counterparts, with talks about a transfer fee currently in progress. Kerkez is eager for the move and could potentially receive his preferred shirt number as an added perk.
At Bournemouth, the Hungarian currently wears the No. 3 shirt, which is held by Wataru Endo at Liverpool. The Japanese midfielder could theoretically switch to the vacant No. 6 shirt, allowing Kerkez to claim the No. 3.
(Image: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
It seems more likely that Endo will leave Liverpool come the summer. Having been sidelined by Slot and only starting a single Premier League match, despite frequent appearances off the bench, his future at the club is uncertain.
With two years left on his contract from his £16m move from Stuttgart, and as captain of Japan’s national team, the 32 year old might look for a new club to secure more playing time.
Endo’s departure is expected to be postponed until after Liverpool’s pre-season tour in Japan. Meanwhile, Kerkez has expressed confidence in his ability to thrive at a top-tier club like Liverpool, who are aiming to retain their Premier League crown next term.
“I believe I can make it at the top level of football … then I can build an even bigger lake. Everything has changed quickly. It is a bit crazy,” said Kerkez in a December interview with The Guardian.
“Everything went: ‘Boom.’ I knew I could do it … but I didn’t know I could do it so quickly. Maybe people see how much I go forward and they forget about my defending.
“But the first thing I’m good at is defending, one v one, in the duels. Anything extra is a bonus, because I have the energy to do it, so why not? It is the best thing for us as defenders, to lock down the wingers.”
