Ian Wright claims Liverpool's first summer transfer deal 'is done'
Context:
Ian Wright, a former Arsenal star, suggests Liverpool has finalized a transfer deal for Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth as part of their summer squad reinforcement strategy. Following their second EPL title in five years, Liverpool is set to enhance their squad, particularly focusing on the left-back position due to the anticipated departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid. Arne Slot, the head coach, aims to maintain the core of his title-winning team while addressing the need for a reliable left-back, given Andy Robertson's potential move to a rotation role and Kostas Tsimikas's insufficient performances. Milos Kerkez, a key player for Bournemouth, has impressed with his performance, notably ranking third for crosses into the opposition penalty box, making him a viable long-term replacement for Robertson. Liverpool is reportedly negotiating a £35 million deal for Kerkez, who has a contract with Bournemouth until 2028, reflecting their strategic investment in securing talented players for future success.
Dive Deeper:
Ian Wright hints that Liverpool has likely completed a transfer deal for Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth, focusing on strengthening their squad after winning the EPL title.
Liverpool's coach, Arne Slot, is committed to keeping the core of his successful team intact, despite the need to address specific positional gaps, highlighted by the expected departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid.
Trent Alexander-Arnold's anticipated move to Real Madrid opens up the right-back position, with Conor Bradley emerging as a strong candidate, while the left-back position requires reinforcement due to Andy Robertson's declining form.
Milos Kerkez, a young Hungarian international with a contract at Bournemouth until 2028, has been a standout performer, contributing significantly to his team's success with two goals and ranking third in crosses into the penalty box.
Liverpool's potential acquisition of Kerkez, valued at £35 million, signifies their intent to secure a long-term replacement for Robertson and enhance their defensive options for future campaigns.
Kerkez's adeptness at delivering crosses and his overall performance have caught Liverpool's attention, positioning him as a promising candidate to strengthen their defensive lineup.
The pursuit of Kerkez is a strategic move by Liverpool to ensure continued success and adaptability in their squad amidst the evolving dynamics of top-flight football.
Former Arsenal star and pundit Ian Wright has dropped a major hint over who Liverpool's first summer transfer signing will be.
The Reds are expected to bolster their squad in the coming months after sealing a second EPL title in five years at the start of April.
Arne Slot has moved to calm rumours over a major squad revamp at Anfield with the Dutch coach happy with the majority of his title-winning squad.
Club captain Virgil van Dijk and top scorer Mohamed Salah have both extended their expiring contracts until 2027 but defender Trent Alexander-Arnold is moving on ahead of an expected free transfer to Real Madrid in June.
Conor Bradley's rise means Slot has a strong option to replace Alexander-Arnold at right-back next season but he is looking at fresh options on the opposite flank.
Andy Robertson has come in for criticism in recent months, as the experienced full back begins to show signs of potentially moving into a rotation role, and Kostas Tsimikas has not convinced Slot.
A focus on a new left-back will be a key target for Slot and the Reds hierarchy and Wright believes a deal for Bournemouth star Milos Kerkez is already wrapped up.
Milos Kerkez's Bournemouth contract, transfer value
With Kerkez's contract running until 2028, the Cherries are in a strong position, with Hungary international playing a vital part in Andoni Iraola's team in his second EPL season.The 21-year-old has netted two top-flight goals in 35 appearances so far in 2024/25, and Liverpool are aiming for a deal in the region of £35m [$47m] for the former AZ Alkmaar defender.
- Kerkez is also third on the Premier League list for crosses into the opposition penalty box this season [23] and he could be an ideal replacement for Robertson in the long-term - with Wright confident a move is inevitable.
"I think Kerkez [to Liverpool] is probably done. The amount of talk we’ve been doing for so long, that’s probably done, which is a shame [for Bournemouth]. He’s a fantastic player," as per Premier League Productions, via the Liverpool Echo.
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