Bournemouth have officially announced the signing of French left-back Adrien Truffert from Rennes on a five-year deal. The arrival of the 23-year-old is widely expected to pave the way for Milos Kerkez's anticipated move to Liverpool. The transfer fee for Truffert is reported to be an initial £10.1 million, potentially rising to £14.3 million with add-ons.
Truffert, who has been a key player for Rennes since his debut in 2020, brings a wealth of experience to the Cherries' squad. He has made 191 appearances for the Ligue 1 side, including appearances in the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League. Last season, he captained Rennes and made 33 league appearances, scoring twice and providing two assists. Truffert has also represented France at various youth levels, winning a silver medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Bournemouth's President of Football Operations, Tiago Pinto, expressed his delight at securing Truffert's signature, highlighting the player's talent and experience. Truffert himself conveyed his excitement about joining Bournemouth and playing in the Premier League, acknowledging it as a dream and a great opportunity for his continued development.
With Truffert's arrival, the path is now clear for Milos Kerkez to complete his move to Liverpool. The Reds have been heavily linked with the Hungarian left-back, and recent reports suggest that talks between the clubs are at an advanced stage. Liverpool are reportedly confident of striking a deal for Kerkez, with a valuation of around £45 million being discussed.
Kerkez's potential move to Anfield has been further fueled by hints from his brother and international teammate Dominik Szoboszlai, suggesting that the transfer is imminent. Some reports indicate that personal terms have already been agreed, leaving only the final agreement between Liverpool and Bournemouth to be settled.
The potential arrival of Kerkez at Liverpool could have implications for Andy Robertson's future at the club. The Scottish left-back has been linked with a move to Atletico Madrid, and Kerkez's arrival could potentially trigger his departure. While Liverpool have not yet received any formal contact for Robertson, the Spanish side are said to have identified him as a key target.
Liverpool have been active in the transfer market this summer, with reports suggesting that they have already agreed deals for Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz, in addition to Kerkez. These potential signings indicate a significant investment in the squad as they aim to build on their recent Premier League title win.