Milos Kerkez to Liverpool transfer takes huge next step with fee agreed and medical booked

Liverpool are chasing Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez and the potential £45million transfer has taken a step forward with the news that the Cherries have identified a replacement

Bournemouth have agreed a deal to sign Stade Rennes left-back Adrien Truffert. The Cherries have been hot in pursuit of the 23-year-old, who they view as a replacement for Liverpool-bound Milos Kerkez, over the past 10 days.

Andoni Iraola’s side have now struck an agreement with their French counterparts worth in the region of £14.4million, inclusive of add-ons. Truffert had just one year left to run on his contract in Ligue 1 and had told Rennes that he was keen to pursue a new challenge.

He has already verbally agreed a long-term contract with Bournemouth and has now received the green light to undergo medical checks. Nottingham Forest and Marseille had also shown an interest in Truffert.

Truffert’s move to Bournemouth will only go ahead if Kerkez is sold to Liverpool, as expected. The Cherries are holding out for around £45m for the Hungary international, who enjoyed an outstanding 2024/25 season.

The 21-year-old, who is under contract with Bournemouth until June 2028, started all 38 Premier League matches for the club, chipping in with two goals and six assists. He is keen to join Liverpool, who have identified him as a long-term replacement for Andy Robertson, and left the Hungary squad last week citing ‘personal reasons’.

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Negotiations between the two clubs were slightly complicated by Cherries technical director Simon Francis spending time in the United States last week representing Bournemouth in The Soccer Tournament. He has been leading talks with former Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes, who used to work at Bournemouth.

Mirror Football understands that second-choice left-back Kostas Tsimikas is likely to leave the Reds this summer, with interest from the Premier League and abroad. Robertson, meanwhile, has previously suggested he is keen to sign a new contract with Liverpool and has insisted he is ready to fight for his place in the side.

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“We’re not daft, it looks as if a deal could potentially be done,” Robertson told BBC Scotland. “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, 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. I still believe I have a hell of a lot to give for however many years I can keep going. My body feels good at the minute.”

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