19-year-old Hungarian left-back Milos Kerkez to Bournemouth is now a “done deal”, according to journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
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Milos Kerkez to Bournemouth a ‘Done Deal’
Cherries ‘Hijack’ Deal for Milos Kerkez
AZ Alkmaar’s Kerkez has been described as “one of Europe’s most talented left-backs”, attracting the attention of some European giants. AC Milan, Benfica and Lazio were all reportedly interested in the defender, with the latter of the three even having agreed personal terms with the 19-year-old, only for Bournemouth to “hijack” the deal.
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The Hungarian international has now agreed a “long-term deal” with Bournemouth, and will complete a medical within the next 48 hours after the Cherries agreed a fee worth £15.5 million with the Dutch club, says Romano.
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The deal marks a significant shift at the Vitality Stadium with the club now seemingly able to compete with teams who can offer European football, and securing Kerkez’s services has been dubbed a “huge signing” by Romano.
Who is Milos Kerkez?
Although born in Serbia, Kerkez is a Hungarian national and has represented the country eight times so far, and has been ever-present during the opening three games of their 2024 European Championship qualifiers.
The 19-year-old started his career at Austrian side Rapid Vienna in 2014, where he came through the youth ranks, before joining Hungarian club ETO FC Gyor in 2020, where he made his professional debut.
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From there, Paolo Maldini and AC Milan came calling, quite literally, as the former Milan and Italy defender personally called Kerkez. Hand picked by the Italian legend, Kerkez was then placed into the Rossoneri’s U19 side and proceeded to model himself on French international Theo Hernandez.
Keen on gaining first-team action, Kerkez then moved to Eredivisie side AZ Alkmaar in January 2022, playing 52 times last season, including 11 appearances in the Europa Conference League in the Dutch team’s run to the semi-final.
Now it would seem that the young Hungarian is set to make the step up to the Premier League and fans will be eager to see if he lives up to his reputation.
Main image credit: Ungry Young Man, CC BY 2.0.
