Kerkez Sends Bournemouth Farewell Message After Liverpool Transfer Confirmed

Liverpool have completed the signing of Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth in a deal worth up to £40 million, making him the most expensive full-back in the club’s history. The Hungarian international has signed a five-year deal, keeping him at Anfield until June 2030.

Kerkez’s rise in English football has been rapid, and his development at Bournemouth has been rewarded with one of the most high-profile moves of the Premier League summer. At just 21, his composure, defensive maturity and attacking intent down the left flank caught the attention of Liverpool’s recruitment department early in the 2024-25 campaign.

This deal becomes the third major acquisition for Liverpool in this transfer window, following the arrivals of Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz. The investment underlines Arne Slot’s intent to keep Liverpool competitive after winning the Premier League in his debut season.

In a heartfelt message posted on Instagram, Kerkez paid tribute to his former club and the people who shaped his Premier League beginnings. “I want to thank the whole AFC Bournemouth family for giving me the chance to come and play in the Premier League, the gaffer, everyone at coaching staff, everyone at the club, you guys will always be in my heart, especially the players, made friends for life,” he wrote.

“We fought lot of battles together and gave everything for each other, love you guys. The fans always support us and I am forever thankful for the love. See you soon.”

It was a note of genuine appreciation, reflecting a player who values the opportunity that Bournemouth gave him. Kerkez was one of the bright spots in Bournemouth’s campaign, showing a blend of physicality and technical ability that made him stand out in matches against top-six opposition.

For Liverpool, this is more than just depth in defence. Kerkez arrives to compete. With Andrew Robertson’s injury record becoming more concerning in recent years, and Kostas Tsimikas potentially moving on, Slot needed a reliable and dynamic left-sided option. Kerkez fits the mould.

The £40 million fee includes potential add-ons, but the scale of the investment reveals Liverpool’s belief in the player’s long-term future. His attacking output, composure in possession and recovery pace offer a modern full-back profile that suits Slot’s system.

FIFA solidarity mechanisms will ensure that Hungarian clubs involved in Kerkez’s youth development receive a portion of the transfer fee, recognising the role they played in shaping the player who now joins one of Europe’s elite clubs.

Kerkez will report for Liverpool’s pre-season on July 8, joining up with a squad aiming to build on last season’s success. Their opening friendly comes just six days later against Preston North End, a fixture likely to offer the defender his first chance to pull on the red shirt.

At 21, the pressure and spotlight will increase, but Liverpool will hope that the grounding he received at Bournemouth will ease his transition. Slot’s emphasis on tactical discipline and fluidity in wide areas should accelerate his integration.

Kerkez’s journey is only just beginning at Anfield, but his words and work at Bournemouth will not be forgotten.