The groundbreaking Liverpool and Bournemouth swap transfer deal that could turbocharge both sides

Premier League leaders Liverpool are expected to be active in the summer transfer window, as Arne Slot aims to make his first major foray into the market since replacing Jurgen Klopp last summer. The Dutchman has been cautious in his recruitment approach thus far, opting to work largely with the shimmering tools already at his disposal rather than buying a whole new kit.

However, despite being on the verge of winning the league title in his first term, the transfer approach is expected to change this summer and Slot aims to build a Liverpool team that can defend a league title for the first time since 1983/84, when Joe Fagan continued the excellent work of Bob Paisley. The Reds are widely understood to be looking for a long-term replacement for Scotland international Andy Robertson, whose below par performances have come into question on multiple occasions this season.

The I reported last month that Liverpool have ‘made contact’ with Kerkez’s representatives and Bournemouth over a potential deal, but no monetary figures has been discussed just yet, with negotiations at a very early stage with both clubs still focusing on achieving their league objectives.

Why Liverpool are interested in Milos Kerkez

Liverpool are aiming to get their hands on a talented attacking left-back that can bring an extra dimension to the team’s backline while also offering a threat going forward. Kerkez fits that criteria with two goals and five assists from 32 games this season. He has been a catalyst for the Cherries’ impressive success in the league, as they continue to strive for European qualification for the first time in their history.

The 21-year-old has pace in abundance, two years of top-flight experience and has already represented Hungary’s senior side 23 times while featuring at Euro 2024. He’s capable of playing as a left-back and a wing-back and would offer the Reds further depth in a demanding Champions League campaign.

Statistics from Fbref show that in terms of crosses into the penalty area, Kerkez sits third in the league ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold and only narrowly behind Antonee Robinson and Pedro Porro. He’s also got plenty of time to improve and is already growing into one of the very best full-backs in the league.

The mega summer swap deal Liverpool could strike

There appears to be a great deal of crossover between Bournemouth and Liverpool targets, which could very easily lead to a swap deal taking place in some capacity. Liverpool’s main target is thought to be Kerkez but there’s also reports of keen interest in Dean Hujsen, with Antonine Semenyo also being touted as a target in January.

Likewise, Bournemouth could be in the market for a goalkeeper and have expressed an interest in Caiomhin Kelleher, according to TalkSport, along with Ben Doak (currently on loan at Middlesbrough) and defender Jarell Quansah. With this in mind, and with Hujsen also attracting interest from Arsenal and Newcastle, it could make sense for Bournemouth to try and get a centre-back like Quansah as part of their negotiations for Kerkez - while also getting their hands on Kelleher in the final year of his Anfield contract.

Liverpool rejected approaches for Quansah last summer but have given the youngster little game time, which has led to speculation he’s no longer in the long-term vision, particularly now Virgil van Dijk has signed a new deal. Likewise, Kelleher is expected to become third choice once Giorgi Mamardashvili returns from his loan spell to compete with Alisson Becker for the number one spot.

Kelleher is tried and tested in the Premier League, has played in three cup final (winning two) and at 26-years-of-age still has many of his best years ahead of him as the Cherries face up to the prospect of losing Kepa once his loan from Chelsea expires.

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