Hungarian sporting director confirms Premier League giants’ interest in Bournemouth star

Istvan Salloi, sporting director of Hungarian club side Zalaegerszegi has reportedly confirmed Liverpool’s interest in Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez, Soccernet.football understands.

Liverpool currently rely on Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas, but concerns over their long-term fitness and Robertson’s recent dip in form have led the Premier League leaders to explore potential replacements, including the 21-year-old Kerkez.

In addition to the Anfield giants, Chelsea, Manchester United and Real Madrid have also been linked with the young defender, according to various reports. Salloi claims that Liverpool and Hungary midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai directly confirmed the Reds’ serious interest in his compatriot.

“[Kerkez] is in very good shape,” Salloi told Teljes Terjedelem (quotes via Liverpool Echo). “[His signing] is absolutely on the table at Liverpool, the sporting director [Richard Hughes] who took him to England is now at Liverpool.

“We also spoke with Dominik Szoboszlai about this, and he also knows that he is in the picture and that their interest [in Kerkez] is real.”

Kerkez has established himself as a vital player since his arrival at the Vitality Stadium last summer. So far this season, the Hungarian has started in all of the Cherries’ 14 games in the Premier League, contributing one goal and two assists.

Under contract at Bournemouth until 2028, he signed with the Cherries in 2023 for £15 million. However, if he departs the club next summer, his transfer fee is expected to be at least three times that amount. 

Before making a move to the south coast side, the Hungary international was linked with a move to West Ham United, having burst onto the scene at Eredivisie side AZ Alkmaar.