Milos Kerkez reveals Arne Slot talks that persuaded him to make £40m Liverpool transfer

New Liverpool star Milos Kerkez has confessed that conversations with Arne Slot convinced him that Anfield was the place to go as he was shown exactly how he would fit into the Reds' set-up.

Kerkez has completed his move from Bournemouth, joining for £40million after a stellar year on the south coast with the Cherries. The left-back will add more competition to the backline with Andy Robertson owning that spot for almost a decade.

The Hungarian had a number of interested parties but met with Liverpool chief Richard Hughes, who had signed him in his previous role at Bournemouth. He went after him for a second time and the influence of Slot became obvious.

Kerkez and the Dutch coach sat down to discuss the possible move and detailed where the player can improve. The Liverpool new boy also underlined the value he got from that conversation and was convinced that Liverpool were the best fit.

He told the club's website: “As everyone knows, [Richard Hughes] brought me to Bournemouth and was [a] big part why I came to Bournemouth. Obviously also [important] is the gaffer – I also had talks with him. I really knew when I talked to him and Richard that this is it for me, so that was my decision.

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“We [he and Slot] talked about the tactics and the plan and where he sees where I can improve and where I can help the team. Obviously when [the] coach comes also and talks to you, it’s a big thing, it’s a big sign of respect. For me, there were no second doubts then that I want to go somewhere else. It was always Liverpool.”

Kerkez becomes the third major arrival at Anfield this summer. Jeremie Frimpong will also bolster their defensive options whilst Florian Wirtz has signed from Bayer Leverkusen in a British-record deal worth £116m.

Moving to Liverpool had long been a family dream for Kerkez and his nearest and dearest with the reality still yet to set it after the move was completed.

“We talk, me and my brothers, we’re always joking but talking honestly,” he said. “And we say like... I called my brother and I’m talking to my brother that’s here and he’s like, ‘You have a Liverpool kit on, a Liverpool badge’ and still like you cannot really believe it. But obviously it’s a really honoured moment and a privilege and a happy moment for my family and especially for me.”

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