**Milos Kerkez Facing Awkward Liverpool Debut as Transfer Near Completion**
*Liverpool, June 19, 2025 – By: VoetbalNieuws NL Editorial Team*
The long-awaited transfer of Milos Kerkez to Liverpool appears to be in its final stages, but the Hungarian left-back could make his debut under unusual—and potentially awkward—circumstances. Sources within the club report that Liverpool and Bournemouth are close to agreeing on a fee of around €28 million for the 20-year-old defender. However, with pre-season already underway and a series of friendlies approaching, Kerkez may be thrown straight into the deep end.
### A Step Up, But No Time to Settle
Kerkez, who impressed last season at Bournemouth with his aggressive challenges, attacking runs, and defensive discipline, is regarded as one of the Premier League’s most promising young full-backs. A move to a club of Liverpool’s stature is seen as a logical next step, but the timing of the deal poses some challenges. Liverpool manager Arne Slot, preparing for his first full season in charge following Jürgen Klopp’s departure, is eager to have his squad gel as soon as possible.
“If the deal is finalized by the end of this week, Kerkez will immediately join the training camp in Austria,” said a source close to the club. “He may even get minutes right away in the friendly against Red Bull Salzburg—without having much tactical preparation or familiarity with Slot’s system.”
### Left-Back Competition and Fitness Concerns
At Liverpool, Kerkez will compete with Andrew Robertson, who is recovering from injury, and Kostas Tsimikas, whose future at Anfield remains uncertain. Despite his talent, the young Hungarian will need to prove he can perform at the highest level immediately—something made more difficult by limited preparation time. There are also concerns about his physical condition, as Kerkez picked up a minor groin injury in the final matchday of last season.
“There’s a chance Kerkez could make his debut in a match while still not fully match-fit,” said Dr. Remco van Osta, a sports physician at Erasmus MC. “That increases the risk of overload, especially if he starts right away.”
### Cultural and Tactical Adjustment
Beyond the on-field expectations, Kerkez will also have to adapt to life in Liverpool—a much bigger club with global attention, a passionate fanbase, and intense media scrutiny. At Bournemouth, he was able to quietly build up his game, but at Liverpool, the standard is elite performance from day one. Under Arne Slot, who favors an attacking and technically polished style of play, Kerkez will also need to adapt tactically.
Former Liverpool defender José Enrique recently expressed some reservations: “Kerkez is a great athlete, but Liverpool is a different world. You need to be not just physically strong, but also mentally sharp and tactically disciplined.”
### Slot Looking Forward to a New Impulse
Nevertheless, the coaching staff is enthusiastic about his impending arrival. Arne Slot reportedly pushed for the signing of Kerkez personally, due to his offensive drive and work ethic. “With Kerkez, we bring in someone who perfectly fits the modern style of overlapping full-backs,” Slot is said to have told club management, according to *The Athletic*.
### Waiting to See if Debut Is a Success
Liverpool fans hope Kerkez can make an immediate impact, but the circumstances are far from ideal for a young player taking his first steps at a top club. With limited time to make an impression, potential fitness risks, and high outside expectations, Kerkez is facing a tough baptism of fire.
Whether he can rise to the challenge will become clear in the coming weeks—starting with a possible debut in a friendly match where all eyes will be on him.
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