AFC Bournemouth
Hungarian left-back Milos Kerkez has become the Cherries’ third summer signing, joining from Dutch club AZ Alkmaar.
The 19-year-old defender moves to Vitality Stadium as one of the most highly-rated youngsters around.
Despite his young age, the defender joins Andoni Iraola’s squad with an impressive track record and plenty of acclaim behind him.
Here are five things you might not have known about the club’s new signing…
1. Serbian born, Hungarian international
In November 2003, Kerkez was born in the Serbian town of Vrbas before later moving to Austria to play for Rapid Wien in 2014.
The left-back’s travels later took him to Hungarian club ETO FC Győr in 2019, which was where he began playing in the youth ranks of the Hungary national setup.
From that age, the defender decided he wanted to represent the senior side for the Magyars, which he has gone on to do on eight occasions.
2. Star signs for AC Milan
The next stop for Kerkez following Győr was Italian giants AC Milan, with a call from Paolo Maldini the decisive factor in his decision to move.
Despite spending the majority of his Italy stay in Milan’s Primavera team, the left-back’s senior debut was one to remember.
Drafted in for a friendly at just 17, Kerkez netted two in the space of as many minutes in a 6-0 triumph over Pro Sesto 1913.
Having impressed, the first-team opportunities were still hard to come by though, and the defender departed for AZ Alkmaar in search of senior football soon after.
3. Immediate international impact
A stellar start to senior life in the Dutch province of North Holland with Alkmaar quickly inspired a call-up for Hungary’s first team.
Kerkez’s debut came in a 1-0 Nations League victory over Germany, with the defender featuring for the whole game on the left of a back five and keeping winger Serge Gnabry at bay.
A test against Italy quickly followed, and while the Magyars were beaten 2-0, Kerkez again kept his opposite number – Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo – quiet, the Italian neither scoring nor assisting.
He has gone on to make eight senior international appearances for Hungary, only one of which ended in defeat, with five won and two drawn.
4. Keeping good company
At just 19, Kerkez is no stranger to being matched with the best players in the world in his age category.
An impressive 2022/23 campaign for AZ earned him a spot in CIES Football Observatory’s top ten players under the age of 20, boasting a spot alongside the likes of Jude Bellingham and Gavi.
That was then followed last month by a spot in the 100-player shortlist to win the 2023 Golden Boy award, an accolade previously won by players such as Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and PSG’s Kylian Mbappé.
5. Experience aplenty
With 83 senior appearances to his name across club and international level, the young defender has a wealth of experience not just in terms of matches played.
His move to the Premier League will represent Kerkez’s sixth different nation he has played football in at just 19.
England joins the list of Serbia, Austria, Hungary, Italy and the Netherlands, offering not only six different playing experiences, but six cultures, traditions and languages.
Having impressed wherever he has gone, too, that speaks volumes about the youngster’s ability to quickly adapt.
Our Junior Cherries open training session!
Come and watch Andoni Iraola's squad train at Vitality Stadium - don't forget to renew your Junior Cherries membership!
