Bournemouth’s left-back Milos Kerkez, who has frequently been associated with a potential transfer to Liverpool, acknowledges that he is utilizing the speculation as a source of “motivation” while also striving to remain grounded.
The 21-year-old emerged as a key player during what was an outstanding 2024–25 season for the Cherries, who, under the management of Andoni Iraola, came remarkably close to achieving European football for the first time in their history.
Antoine Semenyo and Justin Kluivert also made notable contributions for Bournemouth, yet it is Kerkez’s name that continues to be mentioned in discussions regarding the transfer activities of the reigning Premier League champions, Liverpool.
The Hungarian international has been rumored to be joining for £45 million ($60.5 million) and is expected to compete with Andy Robertson for a starting position—highlighting the exceptional quality of his season at the Vitality Stadium.
The former AC Milan academy player has confessed to Hungarian media outlet MLSZ TV that he is using the surrounding buzz as “fuel” to further his development.
“Naturally, some information always finds its way into the media,” Kerkez remarked. “I am unsure how this happens.
Simultaneously, I believe it is normal that if you perform well and the team excels, you will attract media attention and find yourself on the front page, with everyone discussing you.
“I perceive this as fuel that propels me forward. None of this overwhelms me, nor does it inflate my ego; rather, it instills humility in me and serves as motivation.
“Kerkez is already familiar with a current member of Liverpool’s squad: midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai.
The two are international teammates for Hungary and developed a close friendship when Kerkez was first called up to represent his nation—an aspect that could be advantageous for the Reds should they consider pursuing a transfer in the future.
“We met when I initially joined the national team, and we communicated in German because I was hesitant to speak Hungarian at that time. He switched to German and welcomed me,” Kerkez shared regarding Szoboszlai.
“From then on, we spoke every day and got to know each other better. We are still very close, we write to each other or call each other every other day, we talk about many things. It feels good to have a friend who always answers the phone. When you call him, he answers and doesn’t put his mobile on silent.”