It should come as a surprise to no one that Hungarian left-back Milos Kerkez has begun to attract a lot of attention for his performances this season.
The Bournemouth man has played almost every minute of the current Premier League campaign at the tender age of just 21 years old, contributing heavily to the success of Andoni Iraola’s side.
Bournemouth find themselves in seventh place, only a solitary point behind last season’s champions Manchester City.
With Kerkez having chipped in with three assists and one goal along the way, as well as creating 1.09 chances per 90 minutes, some of the league’s top clubs have begun to circle.
Thus, a market has opened as to where Kerkez will find himself come the end of the January transfer window.
Current favourites
Liverpool – 7/2
Although Arne Slot’s side sit atop the league table having played just over half of the season’s fixtures, criticism has arisen over the performances of Andy Robertson.
3.3 chances created per game in the previous campaign, this has fallen to just 1.49 in 2024/25. This, combined with the fact the Scotsman has registered no goal contributions this season has left Liverpool fans with cause for concern regarding his decline.
While Greek defender Kostas Tsimikas is unlikely to get the nod for a starting spot, it would seem Kerkez could be a primary target for Arne Slot. The Dutchman will want to consolidate his team’s league position and round out the squad in his second transfer window to increase stability.
At 7/2 there is certainly scope for profit for punters, and so Liverpool could provide good value if backed early.
Arsenal – 12/1
While Arsenal have emerged as a club potentially looking to add the Hungarian left-back to their ranks, their summer activity would suggest the Emirates is not a likely destination for Kerkez come the end of the January window.
Although new signing Ricardo Calafiori remains injured, he will certainly be trusted with a coveted place in the starting lineup once he returns, with youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly and Oleksandr Zinchenko filling in recently.
With the emergence of the aforementioned Lewis-Skelly, as well as an abundance of other players able to cover the left-back position, it would seem unwise to back Arsenal to add another left-sided defender to their ranks in January.
They remain priced at 12/1, but should not be taken too seriously with their current squad depth.
Man City – 16/1
On the flip side, at 16/1 there is potential for Manchester City to provide good value for punters. Defensive frailties have plagued the Cityzens this season, with injuries to Nathan Ake and John Stones having shaken up their backline.
Although Josko Gvardiol has since made the left-back role his own, there is nothing to say that Pep Guardiola will not search for a backup option in January. If the club’s current interests are anything to go on, a 21-year-old youngster fits perfectly with City’s transfer policy.
Interest in Victor Reis and Abdukobir Khusanov have indicated a rebuild for City, and Kerkez could certainly add to the list of newcomers. 0.15 assists per 90 minutes and a 30% cross accuracy, Kerkez could fit seamlessly into a Guardiola system founded on principals of possession and precision.
At 16/1, punters should consider the Cityzens as a viable outside option for the Hungarian come the end of January.
Lifelong Ipswich Town supporter who recently graduated from Durham University in French and German. Have developed a passion for European football based on my links abroad and am an avid supporter of Werder Bremen and Auxerre. Joined the MFT team in October 2024 and looking to take my first steps into the world of football journalism.
