Report: PL player prefers Liverpool move, club have made contact already | OneFootball

Liverpool are in pole position to sign AFC Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez, but they are unlikely to get him in the January transfer window.

According to a report from Ipaper, the Reds are planning to “gazump rivals” Manchester United and Manchester City to sign Kerkez, who is seen as a potential replacement for long-serving left-back Andy Robertson.

Liverpool have made contact with the player’s representatives. The 21-year-old prefers a move to Anfield as he wants to link up with Liverpool’s director of football, Richard Hughes, who brought him to England during his time at Bournemouth.

Despite signing Julio Soler from Lanus this month, the Cherries have no intention to sell Kerkez. Liverpool have not made any concrete approach to sign the player, and it would take a transfer fee of around £50 million to lure him away from the South coast club.

Milos Kerkez – ideal replacement for Andy Robertson at Liverpool?

While almost all players have been imperious during Arne Slot’s impressive first season at the club, Robertson has shown signs of decline.

The Scottish defender was a huge part of Jurgen Klopp’s high-octane Liverpool system, but he has found it hard to get used to Slot’s balanced approach.

Kostas Tsimikas has impressed for the Reds whenever he has been given opportunities, and he should start against Brentford in the next Premier League game.

What has been really alarming is that Robertson’s attacking threat has diminished this season, and Liverpool could look to replace the 30-year-old defender next summer.

Kerkez would be a terrific signing for the Reds. He has been outstanding for the Cherries and his best years are ahead of him. Under the tutelage of Slot, he can take his game to the next level and grow into a top-class player.

He has scored one goal and registered three assists in 2024/25. He makes 1.4 tackles, 1.1 interceptions and 2.5 ball clearances. At the same time, he averages 4.5 ball recoveries per game.

Hughes could be a major factor in this deal, and it appears the Reds have started planning to get him on board by making contacts with Kerkez’s agents.