Liverpool have already been rejected by one Bournemouth defender this summer and will hope that history doesn’t repeat itself as they attempt to close a deal for Milos Kerkez
Milos Kerkez has sent a supportive message to Dean Huijsen after the former Liverpool target completed a move to Real Madrid. The Spanish defender has moved to the Bernabeu for £50m after an impressive debut season with the Cherries.
He was officially unveiled as a Real Madrid player on Tuesday, with Kerkez sharing his thoughts on the move. Sharing an Instagram post from Huijsen on his story, Kerkez added a red heart emoji.
Huijsen will make his debut for Real Madrid over the coming weeks. And he will be joined by ex-Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold as the Spanish giants struck a deal with the Reds to sign the right-back early.
Reports in Spain had suggested that Kerkez was also on Madrid's radar, with El Chiringuito claiming they could make a move for him, if their proposed swoop for Alvaro Carreas failed. But while they are yet to seal a deal for the Benfica defender, Kerkez seems set on a move to Anfield.
As for Huijsen, it was always Real Madrid, revealing he had never had any intention of going elsewhere. He said: “A lot was said but I just concentrated on my football, giving everything at Bournemouth and trying to finish the season in the right way.
“I wanted to be here from the first day; once Real Madrid called I didn’t have eyes for any other teams. For me, Real Madrid is the best club in the world and there is no other club when they appear.”
He added: “I fit very well the football that Xabi wants to play and I am going to try to contribute to the team; anything I can do to help, I’m delighted to do so. We have spoken a bit about what he expects from me, and I think these will be nice years. Bringing the ball out is something I have, as well as defending.
“I think I have shown I am ready. I’m here to help the team and [as for] the demands here: I want to win titles too. I’m not here to not win titles.”
Liverpool will now hope that Kerkez strikes up as much of a rapport with his new team-mates as he did with Huijsen. The Reds continue to chase the Hungarian left-back with Bournemouth demanding around £45m for his services.
Who else should Liverpool sign this summer? Share your thoughts in the comments below
And while a deal looks to be some way off as it stands, current Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson has sent a message to Kerkez. He said: “We’re not daft, it looks as if a deal could potentially be done. But, until that is done, I’ve not even given that a second thought.
“I back myself. I’ve got confidence in my own ability and that drives me forward. I’ve had eight fantastic years at Liverpool in terms of winning trophies and being a mainstay in the team, which I’m incredibly proud of.
“I’m not getting any younger. I can’t change my age, but I still believe I’ve got a lot to give and that’s what I focus on. I focus on myself – you can’t focus on other people or who you’re competing with.”