Liverpool Target Milos Kerkez: Which Jersey Number Could the Rising Star Claim at Anfield?
Liverpool are demonstrating their ambition this summer, with their transfer activity set to expand further through the acquisition of Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth.
Strengthening the full-back positions was always going to be a priority for the Premier League title holders as they prepare for the 2025–26 campaign, particularly following the confirmed exit of Trent Alexander-Arnold in May. On the left side, Andy Robertson no longer possesses the impact he previously had.
The Merseyside club acted with remarkable speed to secure Dutch defender Jeremie Frimpong and have now brought in Kerkez to replace Robertson. The Hungary international has impressed throughout his two seasons with the coastal club and represents a signing that might not receive widespread attention given Liverpool's substantial investment in Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz.
Although the German creative midfielder is likely to drive merchandise sales for the red half of Merseyside this summer, there will be curiosity surrounding Kerkez and which number he'll wear at Anfield. Here are several possibilities for the Hungarian defender.
Milos Kerkez Shirt Number History
Although Premier League supporters have predominantly witnessed Kerkez wearing the No. 3 jersey for Bournemouth during the last two seasons, the defender has varied his numerical choices throughout his brief professional career.
His journey began at Hungarian first-division club ETO FC Győr in 2020, initially selecting the No. 5 jersey—commonly associated with central defenders in England—before switching to No. 14 and No. 11.
Kerkez subsequently moved to Milan after a telephone discussion with Paolo Maldini, though his playing time was restricted to the Rossoneri's youth academy. He failed to make any official appearances for the senior squad. Within their development system, Kerkez sported numbers 14, 13, 3, and 2.
Looking for more playing opportunities, the left-sided defender transferred to AZ in 2022 and spent only one campaign in the Dutch league before Bournemouth secured his services. During his time in the Netherlands, Kerkez wore 26 and 5 for the first team and 5 for AZ's reserve squad.
Liverpool Available Shirt Numbers
The No. 3 jersey is conventionally associated with left-backs, though defensive midfielder Wataru Endo currently possesses it at Anfield. The Japan international has appeared infrequently since arriving at the club two summers prior, and might seek a transfer later in the window after playing a minimal role under Arne Slot last campaign.
Should Endo leave, or switch to the presently unoccupied No. 6 jersey, Kerkez could adopt the number he wore on the south coast.
Numbers 12, 13, 15, 16, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, and 29 represent additional possibilities. Kostas Tsimikas might also relinquish No. 21.