Liverpool are ready to beat their high-spending rivals Manchester United and Manchester City to sign highly-rated Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez. The Reds have conceded 26 goals in all competitions this season out of which they conceded 13 since last December.
Liverpool have started the 2025 with problems that hampered their potential to achieve positive results despite their continuous in-pitch dominance. They have drawn two Premier League games while losing to Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup semifinal’s first-leg away clash.
One of the biggest concerns that Liverpool have faced is the performance of their natural left-back options in the team. Andy Robertson has struggled with consistency in his performances since the beginning of last season, showcasing regression due to ageing.

Meanwhile, Kostas Tsimikas has failed to usurp Robertson despite his current version which is far below the required Liverpool expectation. The Reds cannot leave such vulnerabilities in their defence while chasing the Premier League title with no margin for error.
According to The i Paper, Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United are chasing Bournemouth left-back Kerkez during the January transfer window. The Reds have a unique advantage due to the past affiliation of their current Sporting Director Michael Hughes with Bournemouth.
Hughes played an instrumental role for Bournemouth in signing Kerkez from AZ Alkmaar in the summer of 2023. Despite the young age, the Hungary international instantly secured his spot as the first-choice left-back for the Cherries.
The report suggests that the Cherries are willing to do business for the price valuation of around £50m for the young player. Given the scarcity of a good fullback in the transfer market and Bournemouth’s current form in the Premier League, the alleged price tag is not over the top.
Detailed player analysis: Milos Kerkez
Standing at 1.80 metres, Kerkez has the pace, physique, strength and stamina to counter the physicality of the Premier League. The 21-year-old left-back relies on his game intelligence rather than engaging in constant physical duels despite his physical attributes.
According to Fotmob, The Hungarian has a goal and three assists to his name in the Premier League this season. Kerkez has created 22 chances for Bournemouth so far this season, sitting at 86.5 percentile in the Premier League.
The 21-year-old also boasts 18 successful crosses (86.5 percentile) with a 30% success rate (75.7 percentile) in the Premier League. With nine successful dribbling and 34 touches in the opposition box, Kerkez’s stats showcase his desire to bombard the opposition
In defence, the 21-year-old enjoyed 23 interceptions (87.8 percentile), five blocks (82.4 percentile), 95 recoveries (90.5 percentile) and eight times possession won in the final third (89.2 percentile).
The defensive actions show his tendency to read the game and act accordingly instead of barging into the opposition. However, Kerkez wins duels less frequently compared to his Premier League competitions, with a 56.7% tackle success rate (25.7th percentile), 51.4% ground duels won (37.8th percentile), and 30.8% aerial duels won (14.9th percentile).

These duel stats have multiple factors that require consideration with Kerkez’s age and Bournemouth’s style of play as main factors. Furthermore, central players dominate most duels in the Premier League, which features highly combative athletes.
More Liverpool News
- Transfer necessity”: Fans and legend demands Liverpool to back Slot
- Slot praises Liverpool star as fans hope for injury-free run
- Slot sees positives as Nottingham Forest parked the bus against Liverpool
Kerkez’s profile makes a compelling case and the age is perfect for Liverpool head coach Arne Slot to mould him. Irrespective of what happens, there is a certain necessity for Liverpool to fix their left-back position to bolster their title chances.