Rising Reputation of a Relentless Talent

Milos Kerkez has been in the spotlight for some time, but now the long-awaited move to Liverpool appears imminent. The Hungarian left-back, just 21 years old, played a starring role for Bournemouth last season, helping them flirt with European qualification. His aggressive runs, defensive resilience and tactical maturity have not gone unnoticed.

Liverpool’s pursuit has been anything but secretive, and reports suggest that personal terms are all but agreed, with only medical formalities remaining. According to Super Indirektno kod Popa i Milana, Kerkez’s father made the clearest statement yet about his son’s destination.

“It’s only Liverpool for us and we’re not going anywhere else and we won’t talk to other clubs,” Kerkez’s father told Super Indirektno kod Popa i Milana on YouTube.

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Family Fully Behind Anfield Switch

There is a striking certainty in the words of Kerkez’s family. His father confirmed:

“Everything is done between us (personal terms), we just need to sort out some details, but it’s basically a done deal.”

“We made that decision. Richard Hughes signed Milos for Bournemouth, and that’s a man who keeps his promises, and if he said to us ‘we’re going to India’, we’ll go to him to India.”

Such unequivocal backing suggests Liverpool’s project under Arne Slot has been convincingly sold.

Social Signals Confirm the Move

Adding fuel to the fire, Milos’s younger brother Marko Kerkez posted an image from Serbian outlet Crno Bele Novosti with the caption:

“Milos Kerkez, soon to be a new Liverpool footballer, has revealed which club he supports.”

While fans eagerly await official confirmation, all roads seem to lead to Anfield.

Slot’s System to Suit Kerkez

Arne Slot, known for dynamic full-back usage, could find Kerkez the perfect fit for his evolving Liverpool. Fast, direct and brave in possession, Kerkez appears built for a side aiming to attack wide and recover quickly.

As Liverpool transitions post-Klopp, investing in youth with elite potential is no luxury but necessity. This feels like a timely and tactical decision that strengthens depth at left-back and hints at a progressive future.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

This is exactly the kind of news Liverpool fans wanted to kick off the summer window. A young, hungry left-back who fits our high-energy profile? Sign us up. What stands out most is not just Milos Kerkez’s form at Bournemouth, but the complete buy-in from his family. That speaks volumes about his character and commitment.

“It’s only Liverpool for us” is the kind of quote you frame. It feels personal. It feels like he gets what this club is.

With Robbo entering the latter stage of his prime and injuries creeping in, Kerkez could be the long-term successor, or even push for starts early on. Under Slot’s likely pressing-heavy, wide-playing system, he’ll thrive. His overlapping, recovery speed and no-nonsense approach scream Liverpool DNA.

The deal seems 95% done, and barring surprises, we could see Kerkez unveiled within days. Fingers crossed the medical goes smoothly. We’ve missed this kind of early, efficient business in recent windows. This time, it feels like we’re moving with purpose.

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Liverpool’s summer rebuild may already be in motion, but the prospect of adding Ajax’s prodigious defender Jorrel Hato speaks volumes about the club’s long-term ambitions. While TEAMtalk reports Arsenal remain the frontrunners for the 19-year-old’s signature, Liverpool’s interest, first revealed in April, has not disappeared — and nor should it.

Hato is, by all accounts, one of Europe’s most gifted young defenders. Born in Rotterdam and bred in the famed Ajax academy, he embodies the modern defender: composed, intelligent and versatile. His 2023/24 campaign included 46 appearances, three assists and invaluable leadership experience, even captaining Ajax in select fixtures. For a teenager, that is no small feat.

“Hato is one of the best young defenders in Europe and has established himself as one of the first names in the Ajax teamsheet after coming through the Dutch club’s youth academy.”

He has already earned six caps for the Netherlands, and in a post-Van Dijk era, Liverpool could do far worse than securing a player regarded as the Johan Cruyff Talent of the Year.

Slot’s Structural Needs at Anfield

Liverpool’s left side of defence is evolving. With Andy Robertson turning 30 and Milos Kerkez expected to arrive as the club’s next first-choice left-back, Hato’s role would likely be more central — quite literally.

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TEAMtalk’s suggestion that Hato played 36 times at centre-back in 2023/24 is telling. While Arsenal are eyeing him as a left-back, Liverpool may view the teenager as the natural heir to Virgil van Dijk, who at 33, has just signed a new deal but cannot anchor the defence forever.

“While Arsenal are looking at Hato as a potential option at left-back, it is at centre-back where the Ajax star could fit in at Liverpool.”

Then there is the question of Ibrahima Konaté. His contract situation is becoming increasingly precarious, and with Real Madrid rumoured to be circling, Liverpool could soon find themselves in need of a new defensive lynchpin.

Hato could be eased into the Premier League under Arne Slot, an ideal environment for development. The familiarity with Dutch systems and cultural context would help the transition. In a year or two, Liverpool may not only need a new centre-back, but a new leader. Hato ticks both boxes.

Arsenal’s Pull and Premier League Competition

Of course, Liverpool’s path to securing Hato is far from clear. Arsenal have been tracking him since he was 15, with long-term succession plans in mind. Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko may depart, opening the door for a new face at left-back. Chelsea too, remain part of the equation, according to TBR Football.

“Arsenal and Chelsea are interested in signing Hato from Ajax in the summer transfer window.”

“TBR has now reported that Arsenal and Chelsea have ‘held talks’ over signing Hato this summer.”

Crucially though, the race remains open. TBR noted, “Hato’s camp are keen to keep the race for the defender open and have insisted to Chelsea and Liverpool that nothing is decided — he is still more than open to playing for any of the clubs mentioned.”

Liverpool should take that openness seriously. This is not merely a battle of money, but of pathway and project. Hato’s potential Anfield future is not about 2024, but 2026 and beyond.

Why the Price Reflects the Potential

Ajax’s valuation is firm. €50 million, around £42.6m, is a steep figure, but for a teenager of Hato’s calibre, it is not unreasonable. Especially not in a market where inflated figures are now standard for proven, even partially proven, talent.

“Sources have told TEAMtalk that Ajax want €50million (£42.6m, $58m) for Hato and are not willing to lower their demands.”

For context, that is less than Manchester United paid for Rasmus Højlund or what Chelsea spent on Wesley Fofana. If Hato matures into a defensive general, this summer could be the last time a club like Liverpool gets value for money.

Arsenal might be the emotional pull. They’ve done their groundwork, and Mikel Arteta’s system could be ideal. But Liverpool can offer something Arsenal cannot — the chance to be mentored by van Dijk, under a compatriot coach, at a club where generational defenders are carved from stone.

“The report has noted that ‘Hato believes Arsenal to be the near perfect destination for this next step’.”

It is up to Liverpool now to convince him that perfection can be found at Anfield too.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

This is exactly the type of move we need. Hato is not just any teenage sensation, he is someone who can genuinely step into van Dijk’s boots over the next two or three years. What’s not to like? He’s got Eredivisie experience, he’s a Netherlands international, he can play left-back or centre-back, and he is used to high-pressure games.

Sure, Arsenal have the emotional pull — he’s followed by them since he was 15 — but Liverpool can offer stability, European football, a proven track record with Dutch players, and Arne Slot. If we are seriously planning for the post-van Dijk era, this deal makes too much sense to ignore.

Let Chelsea and Arsenal talk. If we want Hato and we show it properly, we can win this race. And if we do, we will be securing a cornerstone for the next decade. Over to you, Edwards and Hughes.

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Wirtz Deal Redefines Liverpool’s Ambitions

Liverpool are not just flexing their financial muscles with the imminent arrival of Florian Wirtz — they are reshaping the very identity of their side under Arne Slot. As reported by The Athletic, the Reds have agreed a sensational club-record deal worth €136.3million (£116 million) to sign the 22-year-old German international from Bayer Leverkusen. With €117.5m paid upfront and a further €18.8m in add-ons, this transfer is more than just a marquee signing. It is a message.

The plan is for Wirtz to fly into the UK for his medical this week, ahead of finalising a five-year deal. What makes this capture even more impressive is the competition Liverpool have overcome. Bayern Munich and Manchester City were keen suitors, yet the playmaker has chosen Anfield as his next home.

Wirtz’s decision to join Liverpool is both a sporting and symbolic win for Slot’s era. As The Athletic’s Thom Harris observes, “Liverpool fans can expect silky creativity from Wirtz, an elusive player adept at drifting into pockets of space between the lines and gliding into dangerous areas. As we can see below, Wirtz is dangerous across the attacking third, happy to whip in crosses from the flanks, slide passes into the box and cut back for onrushing team-mates from either side.”

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His versatility and final-third vision perfectly complement Slot’s desire for fluid, aggressive football. He brings technical sophistication with tactical intelligence, capable of operating across multiple positions in midfield and attack. And while he may arrive fresh from holiday, the expectation is that Wirtz will hit the ground running following his medical.

Quansah at a Crossroads Amid Leverkusen Interest

While Liverpool look to add star power, there are also decisions to be made at the other end of the pitch. Bayer Leverkusen have expressed strong interest in Jarell Quansah, Liverpool’s 22-year-old centre-back, but there is no suggestion that his potential move would be linked to the Wirtz deal.

For Liverpool, it is a nuanced situation. “For the right money, yes,” is the club’s stance on whether they would allow Quansah to leave, though they are not actively pushing for a sale. With an estimated valuation north of £40 million, Quansah is attracting interest across Europe, yet his development is not something Liverpool want to sacrifice lightly.

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Used largely as a backup to Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté last season, Quansah impressed in flashes. He also earned a senior England call-up after shining at Under-21 level. His future remains a balancing act — he craves more minutes, but Liverpool know better than to undervalue an emerging defender who has shown promise at the top level.

Should he depart, Liverpool are expected to revisit their centre-back shortlist from last season. Slot’s backline could yet evolve further before the window shuts.

Robertson’s Future in Doubt as Kerkez Emerges

Meanwhile, changes may be afoot at full-back. Atletico Madrid are reportedly weighing up a move for Andy Robertson, as they eye reinforcements following their Club World Cup campaign. The Scot, now 30, has been a stalwart at Anfield since arriving in 2017, but there is growing noise that Liverpool could be preparing for life beyond him.

Milos Kerkez, the Bournemouth left-back, is firmly in the frame. Talks are progressing, and the 21-year-old Hungarian has impressed with his dynamic, attack-minded approach. In truth, the writing may be on the wall for Robertson. The comparison between peak Robertson and Kerkez would be tightly contested, but with age and injuries catching up to the Scotland captain, Liverpool may view Kerkez as a more future-proof option.

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Kerkez, however, is not without flaws. His attacking instincts occasionally leave him exposed defensively, but at 21, there is ample time for development. His addition, alongside Wirtz and fellow new signing Jeremie Frimpong, is seen as part of a broader strategy to inject pace, creativity and energy across the flanks.

Yet leadership is not so easily replaced. “What you cannot replace is Robertson’s leadership,” The Athletic notes. His influence within the dressing room is considerable, and his trophy cabinet includes the Premier League, Champions League and Club World Cup. If he were to leave, Liverpool would lose a standard-setter.

Final Pieces of the Puzzle

Liverpool’s business this summer appears both proactive and strategic. With Wirtz and possibly Kerkez joining Frimpong, the Reds are building a younger, more dynamic core. There may still be one eye on a new centre-forward, but there is a sense at Anfield that the heavy lifting is nearly complete.

Slot, who has stepped in confidently following Jürgen Klopp’s departure, is pleased with the trajectory. Wirtz’s arrival is a major coup, signalling a new chapter that still pays homage to the values Klopp instilled — relentless energy, positional discipline and elite mentality.

Whether Quansah stays or goes, or whether Robertson bids farewell, Liverpool’s identity is evolving with care, not chaos. The blend of legacy and innovation is delicate, but at present, seems well-calibrated.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

This is the kind of move that makes you sit up and believe again. Wirtz is not just a signing, he’s a statement. We have seen other top clubs chase him, but he chose Liverpool. That says something about the pull of this club, and about what Arne Slot is building.

Wirtz fits exactly what we have missed in some games last season — a link between midfield and attack who can unlock low blocks and break through tight lines. He’s only 22, and already he plays with such maturity. If he hits the ground running, we might be watching a future Ballon d’Or nominee in red.

There’s a bit of worry about Quansah though. We do not want to lose a young, talented defender just as he is developing, especially one who came through our system. If we are going to sell, we should get top money and have a replacement lined up.

As for Robertson, it’s heartbreaking to even think about. He has been a warrior. But football moves fast. Kerkez could be brilliant, and if we trust the plan, we might just be entering another golden spell.

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Liverpool’s forward planning is well underway, and the name Hugo Ekitike is firmly on the shortlist. As reported by Fabrizio Romano for Give Me Sport, the French forward is actively speaking to Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea, with all three clubs hoping to secure his signature ahead of the 2025/26 season.

“He’s considering all options and still talking to all these clubs [Man United, Liverpool and Chelsea]. No decision has been made yet,” Romano confirmed.

This aligns with reports from Germany that suggest Eintracht Frankfurt are expecting upwards of £85 million for the 22-year-old, whose breakout season in the Bundesliga has made him one of the most in-demand young forwards in Europe.

Photo: IMAGO Why Ekitike Fits Slot’s Vision

Under Arne Slot, Liverpool’s attacking blueprint has evolved. The Dutchman’s high-tempo, fluid style needs mobile, intelligent forwards who can play across the line and contribute creatively. Ekitike’s numbers scream suitability. With 22 goals and 12 assists in 48 matches last season, the Frenchman has shown that he is more than a finisher.

FBref statistics highlight his all-round game: he ranks in the top 10% of strikers across Europe’s top five leagues for non-penalty expected goals (0.6), assists (0.29), and shot-creating actions (3.5) per 90 minutes. Add in his progressive carries (3.04) and successful take-ons (1.9), and it is clear that Ekitike offers the type of modern centre-forward play Liverpool increasingly prioritise.

Should Darwin Nunez depart, as rumoured, Slot would need a striker capable of stepping straight into a title-challenging XI. Ekitike’s blend of youth, mobility and top-tier production makes him a natural successor.

Financial Strategy Will Define Liverpool’s Summer

Whether Liverpool can meet Frankfurt’s asking price remains to be seen. Much could hinge on recouping funds from Nunez’s potential sale, which might clear the financial path to bid confidently. Having already spent big on Florian Wirtz, FSG’s willingness to sanction a second marquee transfer will be tested.

Romano warned in a subsequent update via CaughtOffside that “a deal will not be easy to pull off” and will “clearly be expensive” for any club that succeeds. For Liverpool, that means maximising value in other areas of the squad and ensuring any outgoings contribute meaningfully to their transfer budget.

Photo: IMAGO Premier League Race Could Define Liverpool’s Intentions

Manchester United’s reported ‘concrete interest’, along with Chelsea’s long-standing desire for attacking reinforcements, puts added pressure on Liverpool to act decisively. Arne Slot has just guided the Reds to the Premier League title in his debut season, and showing ambition in the market would signal continued intent.

If Liverpool are serious about refreshing their forward line, Hugo Ekitike may represent the ideal candidate. However, waiting too long could allow rivals to gain the upper hand.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

There’s no denying the excitement around Hugo Ekitike. His numbers speak volumes and, stylistically, he looks like a perfect fit for Slot’s system. While his fee is eye-watering, it reflects modern market dynamics more than anything else. If Liverpool can shift Nunez and reinvest smartly, this feels like a deal worth pushing hard for.

Ekitike’s movement, creativity and pressing ability would make him an instant fan favourite. He’s the type of player who could explode at Anfield, and missing out on him—especially to Manchester United—would sting. From a fan’s point of view, we’d rather see Liverpool stretch their budget now than watch another potential star thrive elsewhere.

Slot has earned trust with silverware, but to keep the club competing, FSG must back his plans fully. Ekitike’s arrival would not just be a statement—it would be a smart evolution of Liverpool’s frontline.

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It’s no longer a whisper, nor a rumour you scroll past on social media. Florian Wirtz is set to become a Liverpool player, with the 22-year-old expected on Merseyside this week for a medical ahead of a blockbuster move from Bayer Leverkusen.

An agreement reached with Leverkusen last Friday, believed to be worth up to £116.5 million including add-ons, will make Wirtz one of the most expensive players in British football history. The move isn’t just seismic in terms of money, it represents Liverpool’s sharp return to the top table of Europe’s transfer market — a pointed statement from Premier League champions who’ve reasserted their power under Arne Slot.

Shifting Allegiances in Germany

In Germany, the reaction has been far from unanimous. On talkSPORT’s Trans Europe Express, German football journalist Raphael Honigstein didn’t hold back.

“For the Bundesliga, of course, it’s a shame to not see him for a little bit longer,” he explained. “I think he’s going to be the next superstar like [Kevin] De Bruyne, like [Erling] Haaland, that people would have liked to see a bit longer.”

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There’s a sense of collective disappointment — not necessarily anger — across German football, but one club in particular will feel the sting more than most. Bayern Munich’s aggressive pursuit of Wirtz was no secret. Yet despite their best efforts and usual dominance in hoovering up domestic talent, they’ve been rebuffed.

“Bayern feel, of course, that they have missed out,” Honigstein continued. “They’ve been very, very vocal, as they often are, about trying to get him in. When they do that, of course they are exposed, and they’ve been the target of a lot of shunning for that, as you can expect, in Germany because they missed out on him.”

Liverpool’s Growing Pull in Germany

While Bayern lick their wounds, there’s little resentment towards Liverpool, who are now firmly entrenched as a beloved club among many German supporters. Jurgen Klopp’s tenure certainly helped build that bridge, but Arne Slot’s Premier League triumph in his debut season has kept the momentum going.

Honigstein believes the move could actually boost interest in English football back in Germany.

“At the same time, I think German football will be happy. It’s not the Bundesliga, but it is Florian Wirtz playing – just like [Jurgen] Klopp was coaching – at such a massive club in the Premier League,” he said. “I think the attention will be huge for him, and more people than ever before will watch Liverpool with him, trying to figure out where his journey is heading, what his role will be.”

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In truth, the deal underlines a fundamental shift in European football’s power balance. Bayern’s previous successes in attracting elite German talent — from Lahm to Neuer to Hummels — are no longer guarantees. Wirtz’s decision to spurn their interest in favour of Anfield signals a generational shift, not just in his career, but in how top German prospects view their options.

Big Gamble or Calculated Coup?

For Liverpool, the fee might raise eyebrows. Over £100 million for a player yet to taste Premier League football is a huge outlay, particularly for owners like FSG who have often prioritised financial sustainability. But the club’s track record in big-money signings — from Alisson to Van Dijk — suggests their due diligence is thorough.

Wirtz is not just a flashy technician, he’s a well-rounded talent. Didi Hamann, familiar with both Anfield and the Bundesliga, is confident the playmaker has what it takes to thrive.

Hamann pointed out Wirtz’s blend of flair and physicality, traits essential for adapting to England’s high-speed football. With Wirtz’s creativity, Liverpool are not just bolstering their midfield, they’re potentially redefining it.

For German football fans, his absence will be felt. But in a league long dominated by Bayern, there’s also relief that Wirtz isn’t staying in the Bundesliga to strengthen their stranglehold. Instead, he’ll be donning Liverpool red, ready to test himself at the highest level under the bright lights of Anfield.

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Liverpool have enjoyed an explosive start to the transfer window, which saw the arrival of Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen. His former teammate Florian Wirtz is also set to join for a record-breaking £116million fee, whilst AFC Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez remains in advanced talks over a move to Anfield.

However, before the Reds can push on with further incomings this summer, outgoings are now the priority. The likes of Joe Gomez, Jarell Quansah, Kostas Tsimikas, Andy Robertson, Tyler Morton, Harvey Elliott, Federico Chiesa, Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota all face uncertain futures at the club.

Anfield Index sources have revealed Newcastle United’s interest in signing the latter of those names, with Jota seen as a potential attacking target for the Magpies this summer.

It is understood that they also hold interest in potential moves for Joe Gomez, Jarell Quansah and Harvey Elliott also on their radar.

Photo: IMAGO Liverpool Receive Alexander Isak Boost

Arne Slot is determined to add a centre-forward to his summer plans and it is understood that Isak remains Liverpool’s first choice, with the forward open to the move.

We also understand that Liverpool have remained in regular contact with Newcastle United over their interest in the 25-year-old, despite reports of a move being completely off the table.

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Of course, it remains a hugely ambitious and expensive deal for Liverpool but their early moves in the summer market speaks volumes of their ambitions heading into next season.

The North-East side are reportedly interested in signing Joao Pedro in a move that could be worth £60million. A signing of another centre-forward, in this case Jota, could play a huge part in a summer move for the Swedish forward.

Newcastle’s Interest in Liverpool Trio

Eddie Howe has held strong interest in both Gomez and Quansah for some time now as he looks to strengthen the heart of his defence. However, their interest in Elliott has likely been ignited by the record-breaking arrival of Wirtz, pushing the 22-year-old closer to the exit door.

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Liverpool are expected to listen to offers in the £30million region for the two central defenders, whilst Elliott would likely command a fee closer to £40million.

It’ll be interesting to see how these potential deals progress over the next couple of weeks, but contact between the two clubs remains strong.

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