Frank Christian
Liverpool aims to finalize several transfer deals ahead of Arne Slot’s squad beginning preseason preparations in July.
The Reds clinched their second Premier League title in five years, marking a fantastic debut season for Slot.
This summer, the Dutch manager is anticipated to implement significant changes at Anfield, placing a primary focus on the full-back roles as Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to depart for Real Madrid on a free transfer.
Jeremie Frimpong, a standout from Bayer Leverkusen, is likely to step in for Liverpool’s outgoing No.66, with the EPL champions having triggered his £30m [$40m] release clause at BayArena.
Beyond Frimpong, changes are expected in Slot’s defense, with Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez also being pursued.
Kerkez has suggested he is open to transitioning away from the Vitality Stadium following Bournemouth’s failure to secure a European spot, but Manchester City remains interested in the Hungarian international.
Details on Milos Kerkez’s Bournemouth contract, release clause, and statistics
Kerkez’s Bournemouth contract, effective until 2028, lacks a release clause, yet Andoni Iraola’s team is seeking around £45m [$60m] for his transfer.
While Liverpool has made swift progress in their efforts to acquire Kerkez, City has intensified their pursuit, with reports from The I indicating a tightening competition.
This isn’t the first time Liverpool and City have competed for a defensive signing, with Josko Gvardiol’s transfer to Manchester being the most recent instance.
Discussions between Liverpool and Kerkez’s agents have been ongoing since early 2025, with some headway noted toward a potential agreement, though no formal bid has yet been made to Bournemouth.
Both Slot and Pep Guardiola are on the lookout for a new left-back, particularly due to uncertainties surrounding Andy Robertson’s future at Anfield while Gvardiol favors a central position.
Moreover, Bournemouth’s decision to sell Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid may ease their need to sell, as the young defender’s exit will provide essential funds for Iraola’s transfer endeavors as he plans for the 2025/26 season.
In the 2024/25 season, Kerkez scored two goals in the EPL during his second year in England, finishing second on the EPL chart for crosses into the opponent’s penalty area [27], just behind USMNT player Antonee Robinson [29].
Updates on Liverpool and relevant links
- Liverpool transfer target establishes ‘start of June’ timeline for future decision
- Liverpool icon raises eyebrows with unexpected statement regarding Arne Slot’s strategy for Jeremie Frimpong
- Liverpool and Tottenham reportedly ‘reach out’ to sign French winger this summer
