By John Boston
Liverpool have completed the signing of Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth for a fee close to £40 million.
The Hungarian left-back becomes Arne Slot’s third major acquisition of a busy summer following the arrival of Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz, and takes the Reds’ postseason spending to around £170 million.
‘It was always Liverpool’
Kerkez, who has signed a five-year deal, will now compete with Scotland skipper Andy Robertson for the starting left-back slot. He revealed that Anfield sporting director Richard Hughes played a key role in his decision to move to Merseyside.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Kerkez said: “As everyone knows, Richard brought me to Bournemouth and was a big part why I came to Bournemouth.
“Obviously also important is the gaffer – I also had talks with him. I really knew when I talked to him and Richard that this is it for me, so that was my decision.
“We talked about the tactics and the plan and where he sees where I can improve and where I can help the team. Obviously when the coach also comes and talks to you, it’s a big thing, it’s a big sign of respect.
“For me, there were no second doubts then that I want to go somewhere else. It was always Liverpool.”
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Kerkez raring to go
The 21-year-old is close friends with fellow Hungary international Dominik Szoboszlai and revealed his eagerness to get started with the Premier League champions.
He added: “It’s a real honour for me, a privilege to come to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world. I’m just really, really happy and excited.
“After this, I’ll go home and in my hometown enjoy a few days, and then I can’t really wait to come back and put the training kit on and start to train and prepare for the season.”
Slot ponders centre-back options
Slot’s thoughts will now turn to strengthening the centre of his defence.
Jarell Quansah will complete a £30 million move to Bayer Leverksuen once he returns from England Under-21 duty, and with Ibrahima Konaté entering the final year of his contract – and reportedly unhappy with the new deal on offer – the Reds boss needs reinforcements.
One name in the frame is Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guéhi.
The England international has a year left on his current contract and has no intention of extending his stay at Selhurst Park – but the Reds will reportedly face competition from Tottenham and Newcastle for the 24-year-old’s signature.
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SportJustSport writers