Andy Robertson gives update on Liverpool contract talks as Reds line up Bournemouth star Milos Kerkez as his long-term successor
WHAT HAPPENED?
The Scotland international confirmed he is in talks with the club ahead of his contract expiring next summer. When Robertson’s current deal runs out, he’ll be 32, leading to doubts about the cost-effectiveness of the club handing him a lucrative new deal. Liverpool’s pursuit of Bournemouth star Milos Kerkez — part of a broader squad rebuild — means that whether he stays or not, the Scot will have stiff competition at left-back.
WHAT ROBERTSON SAID
According to This Is Anfield, Robertson said: “We have discussed [my future], of course we have. We’ve had good discussions, me and the club, but what the future holds, I’m not sure. All I know is I fly off on holiday and it’s well needed. I need a rest after a long season, and then I look forward to pre-season.”
He added: “I know the position I’m in, I know I’ve only got a year left. A lot’s getting spoken about it, a lot’s getting said, but my pure focus is focusing on being a dad for the next couple of weeks and enjoying that time with the kids. Then I’ll try and come back in the best shape possible for pre-season, and then we’ll see what the future holds when those decisions come.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
It’s understandable that the two-time Premier League title winner is keen to get away from the rumours and enjoy a well-earned break. The Premier League stalwart played 45 games for Slot’s team in all competitions last season, and he’s racked up over 340 appearances in total since joining the club in 2017, becoming an ever-present and one of the most admired full-backs in British football.
WHAT NEXT FOR ROBERTSON?
Reports from inside the Bournemouth camp suggest Kerkez’s move to Liverpool is a sure thing, heaping pressure on Robertson in the run-up to Liverpool’s attempted title defence. But the Scotland captain could still opt to stay and fight for his place. Either way, his recent comments suggest that fans will have to wait at least a couple more weeks to find out his next move.
Milos Kerkez to Liverpool transfer latest amid Bournemouth talks as replacement identified
Liverpool remain confident of securing a deal for Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez, with the Reds in advanced talks over a move for the Hungary left-back
Liverpool is optimistic about securing a deal for Milos Kerkez, with ongoing discussions with Bournemouth over the defender. The Reds have intensified their pursuit of the Hungarian left-back and are now in direct talks with the Cherries, although no formal offer has been made yet.
Bournemouth is currently on an end-of-season break on the east coast of the United States, but sporting director Simon Francis is maintaining contact with his predecessor Richard Hughes, who is leading the negotiations for Kerkez with his former club.
Hughes and Francis have a strong rapport, and the discussions regarding Kerkez’s transfer are amicable as Liverpool continue to lay the groundwork for their Premier League title defence next season.
The Cherries value their left-back at $61 million (£45 million), but Liverpool is eager to negotiate a lower price for a player who joined from AZ Alkmaar for approximately $23 million (£17 million) less than two years ago when he was 19.
The revised transfer window, primarily designed to assist teams participating in this month’s Club World Cup, opened on June 1 before closing on Monday for a week. However, the adjusted dates have had minimal effect on Liverpool’s negotiations, but the club remains keen to secure as many targets as early as possible to ensure they have a full pre-season under Arne Slot.
Bournemouth is not in a rush to sell after the departure of Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid but conversations at the Vitality Stadium suggest an agreement with Liverpool for coveted left-back Kerkez is likely. The south coast side is also on the verge of acquiring Adrien Truffert from Rennes.
Justin Kluivert, commenting while on Netherlands duty following an 8-0 victory over Malta, remarked about his colleague: “He’ll probably go there (to Liverpool). I hope so for him. He hasn’t really said goodbye yet, but I hope he’ll make it happen there.”
Kerkez himself implied a potential exit post-season, saying: “Thanks to the gaffer for trusting me to start all 38 games and special thanks to the one above for keeping me safe and healthy and of course nothing would be possible without my family, I don’t know what will happen in next week but cherries family thank you!”.
Liverpool’s interest in Kerkez has been longstanding, though formal negotiations appeared to have commenced recently. No official bid has been placed by the Reds yet; however, they do regard the Hungarian as their top choice to fortify the left-back slot.
Anfield left-back stalwart Andy Robertson, whose contract is winding down, has candidly addressed the possibility of Kerkez joining to bolster competition in defence.
About The Author
