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Irish Times
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Irish Times
Liverpool agree deal to sign Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth for £40m
Liverpool have agreed a deal to sign Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth for £40 million (€46.7 million). The left-back is to undergo a medical next week before signing a five-year deal with the Premier League champions. The 21-year-old Hungary international has enjoyed two impressive seasons with Bournemouth after joining from AZ in July 2023, helping them finish ninth last season. Liverpool already have two left-backs in Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas. Robertson is of interest to Atlético Madrid and Tsimikas could well leave after spending five years largely as a backup to the Scotland captain. Bournemouth have already brought in a replacement for Kerkez – Adrien Truffert from Rennes, who will battle with January arrival Julio Soler for a starting place under Andoni Iraola next season. Liverpool are working hard in the transfer market. They have already completed a £29.5 million (€34.5 million) deal for the right-back Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen and are close to signing Florian Wirtz from the Bundesliga club. The Germany playmaker had a medical on Friday ahead of completing a £100 million (€116.9 million) move to Merseyside. READ MORE There is likely to be further dealings between Liverpool and Leverkusen with the two clubs in talks over a deal for Jarell Quansah. The centre-back, who is currently representing England at the European Under-21 Championship, is valued at more than £30 million (€35 million) by the Anfield club. Meanwhile, Galatasaray are considering a move for Ilkay Gündogan, with Manchester City open to a transfer for the 34-year-old midfielder. The Turkish club are believed to have inquired about Gündogan's availability in the winter window but City did not want him to leave midway through the season. Manchester City's Ilkay Gundogan. Photograph: Martin Rickett/PA But with Pep Guardiola having signed Nico González in February and Tijjani Reijnders in this window, with Rodri again fit after a serious knee injury and Mateo Kovacic expected back from an Achilles problem in mid-September, game time for Gündogan may be limited. Although the one-year extension on Gündogan's contract was triggered towards the end of last season after he played a certain number of minutes, he may be allowed to leave without a fee. The German, whose parents were born in Turkey, is believed to have a desire to play for Galatasaray, the Super Lig champions. The former Germany international, who turns 35 in October, suggested he still had much to offer. 'There seems to be a trend at the moment in football where people are saying: 'This player is too old,' or: 'Another one cannot run any more.' But we always have had this in football. 'You need experienced players on the pitch. I know that when I was 18 or 19 I was looking up to those experienced players. Just by watching what they did – and how they did it – I learned. It wasn't always necessary for them to say anything. All young players need some experience around them. Sometimes you don't have to work harder but work smarter.' – Guardian
Telegraph
2 hours ago
- Business
- Telegraph
Liverpool spending spree surges past £200m with Milos Kerkez deal
Liverpool's 'big' summer gathered pace on Friday when a £40 million deal was struck with Bournemouth for left-back Milos Kerkez, taking the Premier League champions' recent spending beyond £200 million. As Florian Wirtz completed the formalities of his move from Bayer Leverkusen, a transfer that could be worth £116 million, Kerkez was pencilled in to complete his much-publicised move by next week. With Jeremie Frimpong also on board and goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili joining from Valencia in a move agreed a year ago, Liverpool have gone from prudent to extravagant in the transfer market, a series of statement signings underlining their determination to defend their crown and go further in the Champions League. Kerkez, 21, will be signed by Liverpool's sporting director Richard Hughes for a second time, the former Bournemouth executive having lured the defender to the Premier League in 2023. The longer it became clear Liverpool were in the market for another full-back, the more Kerkez was the obvious candidate, having excelled in Bournemouth's back four. The south coast club, who conceded only five more Premier League goals than the champions last season, have also sold centre-back Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid. Liverpool's spending is not likely to stop there. If Crystal Palace are willing to sell Marc Guéhi for a fee reflecting that he has only a year left on his contract, Liverpool could recruit the England international. Guéhi would replace Jarell Quansah, who looks bound for Bayer Leverkusen, although he would expect to challenge Ibrahima Konaté for a place alongside Virgil van Dijk. Konaté also has a year left on his Anfield deal, and Liverpool do not want a repeat of the contract saga of last season involving Van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold. So far, Konaté has rejected fresh terms as he holds out for a significant salary increase. Liverpool will also find themselves looking for another No 9 if, as expected, Darwin Núñez leaves. Núñez has been linked with Napoli, but an offer from the Italian champions would appear to relate to how much they can get for their outgoing centre-forward Victor Osimhen. Liverpool value Núñez as highly as £70 million. Kerkez deal means decision time for Robertson The next stage of Liverpool's evolution under Arne Slot is headlined by the signing of Florian Wirtz, but it could just as easily be encapsulated in the tale of two full-backs. There will be no ceremonial handing over of the baton to Milos Kerkez and Conor Bradley before the first game of the 2025-26 season, but with Trent Alexander-Arnold gone to Real Madrid and Andy Robertson presumed to be contemplating a new reality in which he either leaves the club or shares first-team responsibilities at Anfield, two of Slot's reimagined back four are yet to celebrate their 22nd birthday. It is a huge challenge for the successors to match the lofty standards of a duo who were once engaged in a private goal-assist competition and have been as integral to the current era as any under Jürgen Klopp. To put the pair's accomplishments at Liverpool into context, they are first and second in the all-time Premier League assists chart for defenders, with Robertson on 60 and Alexander-Arnold 64. Robertson may allow himself a wry smile when considering how the responses to his dilemma differ from those that his close friend attracted. Alexander-Arnold was pilloried for daring to see a future beyond Liverpool. If Robertson ends up in Atletico Madrid – they have explored the possibility of a deal – the goodwill towards him would be universal, the player having occasionally felt chastised for having the audacity to imagine he can still be Liverpool's first-choice left-back going into next season. 'Thanks for everything you've done, Andy, but it's time to get used to a place on the bench now. If you can get a move to Atletico, good luck to you,' will be the patronising observation of those excited by the shiny new arrival from Bournemouth, the implications for a club legend in this instance generally considered part of football's ruthless business. Cynics may think the recent leaking of Atletico's interest served as a timely reminder of how highly regarded the Scotland captain remains across Europe and why it would be premature for him to leave Liverpool. Indeed, there is a compelling argument that Kerkez's arrival represents a chance for Robertson to prolong his Liverpool career rather than end it. He still has a year left on his contract on Merseyside and Liverpool would be more equipped to compete on four fronts if he stays. They would certainly be worse off without him. Kerkez and Robertson would offer a chance to rotate the position without a significant fall in quality. Scotsman would not give up place without fight Anyone who has spent any time with the Scot finds the idea of him casually stepping aside alien to his character. He has achieved too much at Liverpool to swerve the first serious challenge to his starting place, especially as his performances at the end of last season were progressively closer to his best since 2022. At 31, Robertson is hardly worthy of veteran status. His challenger will never be as much of a bargain as the £7.5 million signing from Hull City, but if Kerkez gets close to matching his application and number of assists during his peak years, he would be a worthy long-term replacement. At the very least, if the pair do end up competing for the same place over the next 12 months, Kerkez will have the perfect tutor. Robertson did not sound in the mood to shirk a fight when asked about Kerkez's anticipated arrival during recent interviews, emphasising the 'competition' it would bring. 'I've got confidence in my own ability and that drives me forward,' he said. '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.' There has been more to Robertson than his abilities as an overlapping full-back; namely his personality, character in and around the training ground and determination to shrug off any injury niggles as a mild inconvenience rather than a chance to miss a weekend or international break. Such qualities – which can be equally applied to senior figures such as Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk – are too often overlooked and underrated. Slot needs defensive depth Since Robertson became Scotland's captain he has accepted a burden of responsibility that many would argue – for all his pride in the honour – made him more vulnerable to occasional losses of energy and form. His determination to be available for every game is admirable, but may at times have also been to his detriment. A reduced workload for his club could actually help Robertson's aspirations to stay at the top of his game. To pair international duties with the full-throttle football of Diego Simeone's Atletico may sound good in theory – to be admired by such a reputable coach and club does no harm to a player's self-esteem – but it carries risk for a defender hoping to thrive until his mid-30s. Liverpool are not investing £40 million in Kerkez for the Hungarian to be a deputy. He is Liverpool's future and, should a deal be done, it will be up to him and Bradley to make the full-back positions their own. But with Robertson and Jeremie Frimpong waiting in the wings, the latter more of an outright attacking option, Slot will be in the enviable position of being able to pick any two from four with confidence. It remains to be seen if Alexander-Arnold and Robertson are reacquainted as neighbours in Madrid. From Liverpool's perspective, to lose one of their full-back legends to the city would be unfortunate. Losing both in the same summer would be unnecessary.
The Guardian
5 hours ago
- Sport
- The Guardian
Liverpool agree deal to sign Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth for £40m
Liverpool have agreed a deal to sign Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth for £40m. The left-back is to undergo a medical next week before signing a five-year deal with the Premier League champions. The 21-year-old Hungary international has enjoyed two impressive seasons with Bournemouth after joining from AZ in July 2023, helping them finish ninth last season. Liverpool already have two left-backs in Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas. Robertson is of interest to Atlético Madrid and Tsimikas could well leave after spending five years largely as a back-up to the Scotland captain. Bournemouth have already brought in a replacement for Kerkez – Adrien Tuffert from Rennes, who will battle with January arrival Julio Soler for a starting place under Andoni Iraola next season. Liverpool are working hard in the transfer market. They have already completed a £29.5m deal for right-back Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen and are close to signing Florian Wirtz from the Bundesliga club. The Germany playmaker had a medical on Friday ahead of completing a £100m move to Merseyside. Sign up to Football Daily Kick off your evenings with the Guardian's take on the world of football after newsletter promotion There is likely to be further dealings between Liverpool and Leverkusen with the two clubs in talks over a deal for Jarell Quansah. The centre-back, who is currently representing England at the European Under-21 Championship, is valued at more than £30m by the Anfield club.
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
👀 Nico leaving, Ederson to Inter, Camarda latest: today's transfers 🤑
Conceicao and Alberto Costa convince at the Club World Cup and put Nico Gonzalez on the way out, Inter evaluates Calhanoglu's replacement and Milan outlines the future of young Camarda. The Serie A big clubs' market has already come alive: here are the most important news of the day. 👋 Juve, Nico Gonzalez already saying goodbye? Lazio has shown interest in Nico Gonzalez. As reported by the Corriere dello Sport, the capital club is evaluating the offensive outside player currently at Juventus, whose value is around 30 million euros. The loan formula could be a viable option. Advertisement The Argentine player, former Fiorentina, was directly indicated by Maurizio Sarri as the ideal reinforcement for the offensive department. However, it appears difficult that the biancoceleste company can satisfy Juventus' economic demands for a definitive transfer. 👀 Milan, Camarda seeks space: the solution Milan has found an agreement with Beppe Riso, Francesco Camarda's agent, to extend the young striker's contract. The agreement provides for the extension of the current deadline from July 2027 to July 2028, with an adjustment of the salary, now set at 450 thousand euros net per year plus bonuses. The signing could arrive as early as the beginning of next week, a sign of the club's willingness to retain the talent. Once the renewal is formalized, Milan intends to loan Camarda out to favor his growth. The club is looking for a destination that guarantees a serious technical project and is aimed at the player's development. The entourage is pushing for a settlement in Serie A, so as to offer him a high-level experience. reports. 🤑 Inter looking in Serie A for Calhanoglu's replacement Rumors of a possible farewell from Hakan Calhanoglu are focusing attention at Inter, currently engaged in the United States for the Club World Cup. The nerazzurri club is observing the contacts between the Turkish midfielder and Galatasaray, and has set a minimum figure of 40 million euros for a possible sale. Advertisement As reported by the Corriere dello Sport, the company is already moving on the market to find an alternative in case of the number 20's departure. Among the profiles being followed is Ederson from Atalanta, whose value, however, is around 50 million euros. The Brazilian is considered an ideal reinforcement for the Inter midfield. 🔥 Napoli-Bologna, the axis is heating up The negotiation between Napoli and Bologna for Dan Ndoye is still ongoing. According to what was reported by yesterday there was a meeting between the azzurri management and the player's agents. Although an agreement on the contract has not yet been reached, the parties remain close. In addition to Ndoye, Napoli has planned a meeting with Bologna also for defender Beukema. A formal meeting between the two companies is scheduled for Monday, with the aim of evaluating the feasibility of the operation. The next few hours could be decisive. ⚔️ Roma, Gasp challenges his former Dea for Sulemana With the arrival of Massara in the role of ds, Roma is preparing to accelerate market maneuvers, both in and out. In this initial phase, contacts and evaluations on various profiles are increasing, including that of Kamaldeen Sulemana. The young talent is at the center of a plot that also involves Atalanta. Advertisement The Ghanaian outside player from Southampton, relegated to the Championship, has attracted the attention of several clubs in Europe. Atalanta has identified him as an ideal reinforcement for the offensive lanes, but also Roma, with the new coach Gian Piero Gasperini, would be interested. The market challenge between the two clubs is destined to come alive. 🇸🇦 Lazio, Al Hilal thinks of Tavares Al Hilal is experiencing a particularly eventful start to the 2025 summer. After hiring Simone Inzaghi, former Lazio coach, the Saudi club is now looking closely at the biancoceleste market. The goal would be to strengthen the roster available to the Italian coach. According to what was reported by TMW, the club would have set its sights on Nuno Tavares, Lazio's full-back. The choice would have matured after the negotiations for Theo Hernandez and Angelino did not have a positive outcome. The identified profile could represent a valid alternative for the rear department. 💡 Fiorentina, idea Pio Esposito if Kean leaves Florentina is ready to welcome Edin Dzeko, but will have to closely monitor Moise Kean's contractual situation. The rescission clause of 52 million makes the attacker appealing to several clubs, pushing the viola management to evaluate possible alternatives. Advertisement According to what was reported by La Nazione, among the profiles being followed is Pio Esposito, a young talent from the Italian Under 21 team, fresh from an excellent season with Spezia. Inter evaluates his card at around 30 million, but talks about a possible loan with the right of redemption. Everything, however, depends on the developments related to Kean. This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here. 📸 Chris Ricco - 2025 Getty Images
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Flamengo chief who discovered David Luiz, Nemanja Matic and Ramires on their unique transfer strategy that secured Jorginho - as they target Chelsea star
Jose Boto's track record as a scout is up there with the very best, the long list of names he brought to Benfica in years gone by reading like a who's who of famous footballers, from Angel Di Maria to Ederson to Axel Witsel to Jan Oblak and so on. But our conversation in Philadelphia is centring on three players in particular because, now that Boto is the director of football for Brazilian side Flamengo, they are relevant to their next Club World Cup opponents Chelsea. They are David Luiz, Nemanja Matic and Ramires. Benfica signed them for close to £10million collectively on Boto's recommendation, and then sold all three to Chelsea for more than six times their original investment. That was how it used to go: spy a talent, sign him, mature him, sell him to the Premier League for a tidy profit. Trouble is, Chelsea are now among those giants going straight to the source, scouting for themselves in South America and beyond, in a bid to eradicate that expensive middle man. That is a killer for sides such as Benfica, where Boto was chief scout for 11 years. Stints as sporting director for Shakhtar Donetsk in Ukraine and PAOK in Greece have now taken him to Flamengo, whose manager is Filipe Luis, the former Chelsea left back. While everyone else is searching for the next super-starlet, Flamengo are doing it differently. They are targeting experience and it was two weeks ago when Boto secured the signing of Jorginho after the 33-year-old midfielder exited Arsenal. 'One of the things we tried to do here was to bring 10 players with big experience in Europe who can pass to the young players the behaviour of European standards,' Boto tells Mail Sport. 'In terms of training, in taking care of themselves. In the beginning we brought in Danilo, he played for Manchester City, Juventus, Real Madrid. Jorginho was in that way of thinking – to bring in someone who has that European mentality. 'I was in Benfica for many years and the target there and also at Shakhtar was to find the next wonderkid. It was a strategy to bring young players who can compete in the leagues we were in, but also have the potential to become top and then sell these players to teams like Chelsea. 'We knew we could do that because the big clubs from the big leagues weren't going to Brazil, to Argentina, to Serbia, to Ukraine. It was a strategy from Portuguese clubs for 10, 12, 15 years. 'Now that is almost impossible because these big clubs go in search of these kids. Chelsea have picked some players from not evident markets. It is much more difficult now. 'One of the secrets in Benfica was the fact that the president understood you can make mistakes in scouting. He trusted us. He told us many times to bring in players if we think they have potential. If one of the six you bring in becomes Di Maria or David Luiz, it pays for everything.' Another experienced player who Flamengo have looked at signing this summer is Joao Felix from Chelsea. Boto knows the 25-year-old Portuguese, given he was a product of the Benfica academy, and he is now available after returning from his AC Milan loan. 'It was an idea we had and then the idea died very fast because it was not the goal of Joao to come to play in Brazil,' Boto explains. 'This is a fantastic player who I think needs a nice place to develop again his potential – because he has this potential. He needs to find now the right place to be happy again. The potential he has is much more than he has shown in these last years.' Boto was behind Shakhtar hiring Robert De Zerbi as their manager in 2021, before he went on to become the boss of Brighton. De Zerbi was under consideration by Chelsea when they ultimately landed on Enzo Maresca last summer. Boto is not so sure that their Premier League opponents will be 'scared' of them, but he does warn that Maresca's side would be making a big mistake if they go into this second group game expecting an easy outing in Philadelphia. 'I'm lucky to have a coach who is not so different than De Zerbi,' Boto adds on Luis. 'He doesn't have his experience, but he has many characteristics, not only in the way of playing but in the way he works. The two are workaholics. They want to know everything. 'Filipe has been a coach for one year. I can assure you that he will be one of the top coaches in the next three-to-five years, also the best from Brazil. I think Filipe will change the face of Brazilian coaching to European clubs. Really, he is different. I can assure a brilliant future from him.'
