Liverpool have completed the signing of defender Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth.
The 21-year-old left-back is Liverpool’s third major summer addition after Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong.
Kerkez moves to Anfield after two seasons at Bournemouth, where he scored twice and provided eight assists in 74 appearances.
“I’m really happy,” said Kerkez, who has reportedly cost £40m.
“It’s a real honour for me, a privilege to come to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world, [the] biggest club in England. I’m just really, really happy and excited.
“After this, I’ll go home and in my hometown enjoy a few days, and then I can’t really wait to come back and put the training kit on and start to train and prepare for the season.”
Kerkez, who has 23 caps for Hungary, was shortlisted for the 2024-25 Men’s PFA Young Player of the Year award.
His arrival raises questions about the future of Andy Robertson, who is entering the final year of his contract with Liverpool.
Liverpool have already seen one long-term full-back depart this summer with Trent Alexander-Arnold joining Real Madrid.
Liverpool won their 20th league title in Arne Slot’s first season in charge, and are keen to stay in front of the chasing pack, which includes Arsenal and Manchester City.
Slot will also be seeking a longer run in the UEFA Champions League, having been knocked out by Paris Saint-Germain at the last-16 stage.
New contracts for Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk will be seen as vital parts of the jigsaw going into the 2025/26 campaign.
“I just want to thank everyone for really showing me big love, even before it will be announced now,” said Kerkez.
“And keep supporting the team like you support always, because you’re the biggest fan base in the world.”
Bournemouth improved on their 12th place in the Premier League in 2023/24 by finishing ninth last season.
But keeping hold of a number of their assets, particularly in defence, is going to be a huge challenge over the coming weeks and months.
Real Madrid have already signed centre-back Dean Huijsen, while central defender Ilya Zabarnyi is a target for European champions PSG.