Ornstein: Kerkez “Strong Option” But Price Tag “Too High” | OneFootball

Liverpool Prepared to Spend Big on Milos Kerkez

Liverpool continue to monitor Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez, with fresh reports indicating that the club are prepared to invest significantly in securing his signature.

A pivotal summer transfer window looms at Anfield, as incoming manager Arne Slot looks to shape his squad ahead of the 2024/25 campaign. Reinforcements in several positions are expected, with left-back standing out as an area requiring particular attention. With Andy Robertson now 31 and Kostas Tsimikas primarily viewed as a squad player, Liverpool are actively seeking a long-term solution.

Kerkez has been strongly linked with a move to Merseyside, with discussions reportedly taking place regarding his future at Bournemouth. The Hungarian international has impressed in his debut Premier League season, starting all 28 league games for the Cherries and showcasing his attacking prowess, most notably with a stunning assist for Marcus Tavernier against Tottenham Hotspur.

Liverpool Face Hefty Price Tag for Kerkez

According to The Athletic, Liverpool remain highly interested in Kerkez, with journalist David Ornstein describing him as a “strong option” for the club this summer. Reports suggest that Bournemouth could demand a fee in the region of £50 million for the 21-year-old, a figure that Liverpool are considering despite their usual reluctance to spend heavily on full-backs.

The Reds have also been admirers of Paris Saint-Germain’s Nuno Mendes and Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies. However, both players have recently committed their futures to their respective clubs, effectively ruling out any potential move to Anfield.

Ornstein further claims that the amount Liverpool are willing to pay for Kerkez is “likely to be above” their standard valuation for a full-back, indicating a significant shift in strategy.

Liverpool’s Approach to Full-Back Transfers

Historically, Liverpool have been frugal when it comes to investing in full-backs. Robertson was signed for a mere £8 million from Hull City in 2017, a move that proved to be one of the club’s greatest bargains of the modern era. Similarly, Kostas Tsimikas arrived from Olympiacos for £11.75 million in 2020.

Prior to that, Alberto Moreno joined from Sevilla for £12 million, while Nathaniel Clyne and Glen Johnson cost £12.5 million and £17.5 million respectively. If Liverpool were to meet Bournemouth’s asking price, Kerkez would comfortably become the club’s most expensive full-back signing in history.

Kerkez a Worthy Investment for the Reds

While the suggested £50 million valuation is substantial, Liverpool’s pursuit of Kerkez underscores the importance of securing a long-term replacement for Robertson. The Hungarian’s attacking ability, combined with his defensive solidity, makes him a compelling option to slot into Slot’s system seamlessly.

Liverpool have demonstrated an ability to develop full-backs into world-class assets, and Kerkez appears to fit the mould of a player who could flourish under the club’s setup. Given his potential and age, the investment could prove to be a shrewd piece of business, ensuring Liverpool’s left-back position remains in safe hands for years to come.

Milos Kerkez has emerged as one of the most promising young full-backs in European football, and his statistical profile over the last 365 days provides valuable insight into his playing style. The radar chart illustrates his strengths and weaknesses compared to other full-backs, highlighting his attacking contributions, possession involvement, and defensive attributes.

Attacking Contributions

Kerkez shows strong attacking attributes for a full-back. His expected assisted goals (xAG) and non-penalty expected goals (npxG) rank above average, with scores of 63 and 48 respectively. He has also registered 79th percentile for assists, indicating his ability to create goal-scoring opportunities from wide areas. Additionally, he is in the 60th percentile for shot-creating actions, showing his involvement in build-up play and offensive transitions.

Possession Play

Kerkez’s ability to progress the ball is one of his standout traits. He ranks in the 85th percentile for progressive carries, demonstrating his confidence in driving forward with the ball. He also places in the 66th percentile for progressive passes received, which suggests that he is frequently found in advanced positions. His passing volume is relatively moderate, ranking 34th percentile for passes attempted, but his 60th percentile rank for progressive passes indicates an ability to move the ball forward effectively.

Defensive Metrics

Defensively, Kerkez is a mixed performer. He ranks 68th percentile for dribblers tackled, showing solid one-on-one defending skills. However, his 35th percentile ranking for aerial duels won suggests an area for improvement, especially against more physical opponents. His 47th percentile for clearances and 59th percentile for blocks indicate that he contributes defensively, but he may not be the most dominant presence in his own box.

Conclusion

Kerkez’s statistical profile highlights his attacking potential and ability to progress the ball effectively. His defensive contributions are solid but not exceptional, suggesting that he thrives more in an attacking full-back role rather than a purely defensive setup. Given Liverpool’s interest, his ability to provide width, carry the ball forward, and deliver in the final third makes him an attractive prospect for a team that values progressive, attacking full-backs.