Liverpool boss Arne Slot could make two defensive signings before his squad return for preseason training in July.
The Reds eased over the line in the Premier League title race to secure a second top-flight crown in five years as part of Slot’s superb debut campaign.
Changes ae expected at Anfield – despite Slot’s claim that he’s not looking to overhaul his squad – with Trent Alexander-Arnold moving on to Real Madrid via free transfer.
Bayer Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong is the red-hot favourite to replace Liverpool’s outgoing No.66 with the Reds ready to activate his £30m [$40m] release clause at the BayArena.
However, the Dutch international may not be the only change incoming in Slot’s backline, with Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez set as Slot’s next target in the summer window.
Kerkez has openly hinted at his openness to leaving the Vitality Stadium – as the Cherries missed out on European qualification – but Manchester City are also tracking the Hungary international with major interest.
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Milos Kerkez’s Bournemouth contract, release clause, stats
Kerkez does not have a formal release clause in his Bournemouth contract which runs until 2028 but Andoni Iraola’s side have set an asking price of around £45m [$60m].
As per reports from The I, City have made a late push to battle Liverpool for the 21-year-old, but the EPL champions are favourites to land a deal.
Liverpool have been in talks with Kerkez’s representatives since the start of 2025, with progress made on an agreement, but no formal offer has been submitted to Bournemouth at this stage.
Slot and Pep Guardiola are both in the market for a new left-back, with concerns over Andy Robertson’s long-term spot at Anfield and Josko Gvardiol covering the role for City in 2024/25.
Bournemouth’s agreement to sell Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid has also reduced the pressure to sell, as the 20-year-old’s exit will boost Iraola’s transfer budget, which could drive up their asking price for Kerkez.
The former AZ Alkmaar defender has netted two goals in his second season in England and he wraps up the 2024/25 season in third place on the EPL list for crosses into the opposition penalty area [23] behind Pedro Porro and Antonee Robinson.
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