Liverpool are leading the race for Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez this summer and the Cherries already have a clear idea about who they might sign to replacing the Hungarian defender
Bournemouth are stepping up their pursuit of a new left-back as they prepare for the departure of Milos Kerkez. Liverpool remain the clear frontrunners to sign the Hungarian international, who has also attracted admirers at Manchester City.
Arne Slot's Reds are keen to sign competition for Andy Robertson during the off-season with Greece international Kostas Tsimikas expected to depart Anfield. The Cherries believe 20-year-old Julio Soler, a £6.6million January arrival from Argentine club Lanus, has the potential to become a regular starter under Andoni Iraola at the Vitality Stadium.
His arrival formed part of Bournemouth's succession planning and they have been operating with the belief that Kerkez is destined to move onto pastures new due to his fine, all-action performances. However, reinforcements at full-back are still highly probable and there are two key targets on Bournemouth's radar.
Real Madrid ace Fran Garcia has been eyed since December though the Spaniard could yet cost up to £20m. Los Blancos have also been linked with Kerkez but it remains to be seen whether they'll recruit a left-back and they are expected to entertain offers for Garcia, providing they're suitable.
Another name of interest is Wolves ' Hugo Bueno, who has impressed in the Champions League this season while on loan at Feyenoord in Holland. Wolves are open to keeping Bueno this summer as they expect Rayan Ait-Nouri to be the subject of strong transfer interest.
Bournemouth's president of football operations Tiago Pinto is also said to be fond of Club Brugge's Maxim De Cuyper, however, Juventus are currently in the box-seat for his signature. A fee upwards of £40m has been mooted for Kerkez but given his vast range of admirers, there is every chance the Cherries could entertain a bidding war.
Speaking to The Athletic, Kerkez recently outlined his desire to play at the highest level, stating: “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 and 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."
Kerkez has scored two goals in the Premier League this season and has also provided five assists. The Hungarian signed with Fali Ramadani's agency Lian Sports, who also represent Federico Chiesa, at the back end of 2024 meaning there are already strong relations with the Anfield hierarchy.