Latest news with #RichardHughes
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Fabrizio Romano: £45m Kerkez transfer inches closer as Liverpool ramp up summer plans
Kerkez Deal Edges Closer as Liverpool Target Defensive Evolution Liverpool waste no time after title triumph Fresh from clinching the Premier League title, Liverpool are wasting little time in shaping their future. Rather than basking in the glow of a successful campaign, sporting director Richard Hughes and head coach Arne Slot are accelerating plans to evolve the squad. Their strategy is bold, proactive, and surgical. Advertisement With Jeremie Frimpong already secured from Bayer Leverkusen and Florian Wirtz also on the radar, the emphasis is not only on consolidation but on elevating a squad built to dominate. Yet amid talk of centre-forwards and marquee midfielders, it is the quiet pursuit of a left-back that may offer the clearest window into the club's thinking. Kerkez emerges as key figure in Liverpool's next phase Milos Kerkez, the 21-year-old Bournemouth defender, has emerged as Liverpool's priority for the left side of defence. It is a position that has been discussed behind closed doors for months, particularly given Andy Robertson's age and contract situation. Now 31, the Scot's deal runs until 2026, and while he remains a high performer, succession planning is quietly but firmly underway. Kostas Tsimikas, once viewed as a capable understudy, may be sacrificed to facilitate change. The Greek international has never truly nailed down his place, and with interest expected in his services, Liverpool are preparing for a reshuffle. Advertisement Enter Kerkez, a former signing by Hughes during his Bournemouth days and now the favoured candidate to fill one of the club's long-term vacancies. Romano confirms agreement with player Fabrizio Romano has now confirmed that Liverpool have agreed personal terms with Kerkez, with the focus shifting to negotiations between clubs. Bournemouth are reportedly holding out for £45 million, but Liverpool seem confident of completing the deal despite competition from heavyweights like Real Madrid and Manchester City. 'Who is really appreciated at Liverpool is Milos Kerkez, and I'm insisting on this one, guys, because I expect this deal to advance in the next days, also between clubs,' Romano said on his YouTube channel. Advertisement 'Agreement done with the player. The agreement between Liverpool and Kerkez is done. The contract is ready. Everything is okay. The player can't wait to become a Liverpool player. 'The player is really convinced about the Liverpool project. So the feeling is very positive. Liverpool and Bournemouth are discussing, but the understanding is that this deal is advancing behind the scenes.' Signals of a smart rebuild Kerkez represents more than just youthful depth. He's a symbol of Liverpool's growing willingness to invest in potential while maintaining a competitive edge. At just 21, he's already shown strength, composure, and an attacking instinct that suits Slot's system. This is not a reactive rebuild. It's a carefully coordinated evolution driven by data, trust in recruitment, and an ambition that refuses to stagnate. For Liverpool, the summer is about sharpening every angle – and Kerkez may soon be a significant part of that story.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Liverpool fans are convinced Florian Wirtz to Anfield is a done deal after German star's recent social media post
Liverpool fans were all saying the same thing after seeing Florian Wirtz's new social media post. Mail Sport understands the Reds are close to demolishing the British transfer record for the Bayer Leverkusen star, who has made it clear he wants to move to Anfield. Leverkusen have made it clear they want £126million for the 22-year-old. While Liverpool currently have a bid of £109m lodged, it is understood that middle ground will be found quickly. Richard Hughes, Liverpool's Sporting Director, has proposed a package to his Leverkusen counterpart Simon Rolfes with easily attainable performance-related bonuses, such as Champions League qualification. And while the ins and outs of the deal get worked out, Wirtz took to social media to share a cryptic message - which left Liverpool fans in a frenzy. The attacking midfielder posted a photo of himself signing a fan's book, captioned only with a writing hand emoji. ✍️ — Florian Wirtz (@WirtzFlorianLFC) May 31, 2025 Fans on social media were to speculate whether Wirtz's post - amid the plentitude of recent speculation - had a double meaning. One fan wrote on X: 'Contract signing. Welcome to Liverpool YNWA.' Another commented: 'Meaning he's about to sign the contract.' A third said: 'Teasing the fanbase.' A fourth joked: 'Florian was given a contract by Liverpool and he signed it.' A report this week revealed Arne Slot has been crucial in getting Wirtz's deal closer to being sealed. Manchester City withdrew from the race to sign the German maestro, which left Bayern Munich in pole position to land him. But during a meeting, it is said that Slot left Wirtz captivated, not only with his own passion but also that of the club and its fans. Elsewhere, discussions about Wirtz's specific role similarly played a major role in his decision. Slot was clear in his plans on where Wirtz would be playing in his title-winning side and the German was also promised that he would be a central part of Liverpool's attack. It is believed that this conversation was paramount in getting Wirtz's deal to the final stage it is at now. Wirtz's signing would be Liverpool's second this summer, after the Merseyside club secured a move for Jeremie Frimpong earlier this week.
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
UK finance minister nominates budget watchdog chief for second term
British finance minister Rachel Reeves said on Friday that she had nominated the chair of the Office for Budget Responsibility Richard Hughes to serve a second five-year term. The OBR prepares twice yearly forecasts of British economic growth and public borrowing and assesses whether Reeves is on track to meet her budget goals. Hughes' reappointment is subject to approval by the House of Commons' Treasury Committee. (Reporting by David Milliken; editing by Suban Abdulla)
Bloomberg
3 days ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
Reeves Nominates UK OBR Chief Richard Hughes for Reappointment
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves nominated Richard Hughes to serve a second term as head of the Office for Budget Responsibility, Britain's powerful fiscal watchdog. Hughes will lead the government's official forecaster for a final five-year term with the OBR's projections highly influential to budget plans set by Reeves. Confirmation of his appointment requires the approval of the House of Commons Treasury Committee — a group of backbencher lawmakers.
Reuters
3 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
UK finance minister nominates budget watchdog chief for second term
LONDON, May 30 (Reuters) - British finance minister Rachel Reeves said on Friday that she had nominated the chair of the Office for Budget Responsibility Richard Hughes to serve a second five-year term. The OBR prepares twice yearly forecasts of British economic growth and public borrowing and assesses whether Reeves is on track to meet her budget goals. Hughes' reappointment is subject to approval by the House of Commons' Treasury Committee.
