Milos Kerkez has handed long-term admirers Liverpool a transfer boost by admitting it is his ‘dream’ to play amongst the elite in European football.
Kerkez, 21, has been the subject of intense speculation after impressing at left-back in his second season at Bournemouth.
The Hungarian international has become one of Europe’s most sought-after full-backs due to his high-intensity playing style, and he has seven goal involvements – including five assists – for the Cherries in the Premier League this season.
Premier League leaders Liverpool, who are believed to be in the market for a new left-back, have been heavily linked with Kerkez for most of the season.
In an interview with The Athletic, the in-form Bournemouth star inferred that he is aware of the rumours linking him with a move away from the south coast.
‘It’s not like I don’t see it (the comments),’ he said. ‘When people say they don’t see stuff if someone says something about you, I think it’s a lie.
Liverpool have been linked to Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez in their search for a new left-back
Arne Slot and Liverpool are believed to be set for a busy transfer window this summer
Kerkez has admitted that he is aware of all of the speculation surrounding him at the moment
It’s only if it hits you or not. If someone says something bad, I do my job, and if someone says something good, I just do my job. That’s it.’
Bournemouth are currently on course for their highest-ever Premier League points tally, with the club amid an intense battle to secure European football next season.
Andoni Iraola’s side currently sit 10th – five points off of fourth-placed Chelsea – with just nine games to go.
And while Kerkez has his sights set on making the step-up to play at the top level – admitting he is ready to play for a top club – his focus remains on the task at hand down on the south coast.
In response to being asked if he wants to play for one of Europe’s elite clubs, Kekez said: ‘Yeah. As a kid, you dream to play at the highest level, win the trophies, be on the best teams.
‘These are the things that my agent is on. My dad is on. It is not something that they occupy me with because the season is still going, so there’s no point to talk about anything.
‘There’s games left, the FA Cup is important for us — these are big things. And then, like I say, when someone comes (in for you) you never know what’s going to happen or where you’re going to end up. In the summer, we will see what happens.’
With Liverpool’s interest in Kerkez believed to be growing, speculation over current starting left-back Andy Robertson’s future has been rife.
Kerkez is one of Europe’s most sought-after full-backs and has five Premier League assists this season
Andy Robertson is Liverpool’s current starting left-back but his performance levels have seemingly dropped off this campaign
The Reds are looking to freshen up their squad with some youthfulness this summer and seem keen on landing Kerkez
The Scotsman has been criticised by many for his performances this campaign, with the 30-year-old’s level seemingly well short of the world-leading highs he has exhibited during his seven-year Anfield stay.
But speaking while on Scotland duty last week, Robertson recognised the attention comes with the territory of playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world.
Robertson, who is into his eighth season on Merseyside, remains confident of playing for the Reds even if the club sign one of the defenders they have been linked with this summer.
‘I think we’ve been linked with pretty much every left-back in the world,’ the Scotland captain said.
‘That comes with playing with one of the greatest clubs in the world. I look back on these eight years I’ve had as the starting left-back at that club and I feel a lot of pride.
‘Your time comes and I don’t think it’s my time yet but even if we do bring someone in, then so be it. I’ll always back myself.
‘Sure, this season there have been a couple of moments when I haven’t covered myself in glory but some things have been taken way out of proportion.
‘I think the performance levels have been there for me. I think I’ve had a relatively good season but one thing people will say about me is that’s I’ve been pretty consistent, so when you make a couple of mistakes, then people can talk.
The Hungarian international has been key for Andoni Iraola’s side as they sit 10th in the league
Sporting director Richard Hughes could play a key role in landing Kerkez from Bournemouth
‘That’s the world we live in, that’s the Premier League. Everyone has eyes on you, everyone has an opinion. It is what it is but I’m always confident in my ability. I’ve shown that right throughout my career but especially during my time at Liverpool.’
Kerkez, who is under contract with Bournemouth until June 2028, began his senior career with Hungarian side Gyor, before spending time at AC Milan and AZ Alkmaar prior to moving to England.
Kerkez cost the Cherries roughly £15.5million when he made the move from AZ in July 2023, and he has started all 29 of Bournemouth’s Premier League games this term.
Richard Hughes, who is now Liverpool sporting director, facilitated the move to bring Kerkez to Bournemouth, and could be key in making any potential transfer happen.
