Bournemouth have announced the signing of AZ Alkmaar defender Milos Kerkez.
The highly sought-after 19-year-old full-back has joined the Cherries for an undisclosed fee, although it is believed the Hungarian teenager cost around £18 million.
Bournemouth have shrugged off competition from several European clubs for Kerkez, including Benfica and Lazio, who could have offered him Champions League football.
The youngster’s admiration for the Premier League played a key role in his decision to pledge his future to the Cherries by signing a long-term contract.
Kerkez becomes Bournemouth’s fourth signing of the summer transfer window, with the Cherries keen to cement their status as a top-flight club and perhaps push into the top half of the table.
Bournemouth chief executive Neill Blake said: “We are delighted to announce the signing of Milos, a talented young player with a great deal of potential.
“He was being tracked by a number of clubs in Europe but was very keen to join us after hearing about our plans and ambitions for the future.
“An athletic and attacking full-back, Milos will be an excellent addition to our exciting squad, and we are looking forward to working with him.”
Kerkez arrives at the Vitality Stadium following in the footsteps of Hamed Traore, Justin Kluivert and Romain Favre – although the latter has joined Ligue 1 club Lorient on a season-long loan.
Bournemouth are not done with their summer business. They are also plotting a move for Bristol City wonderkid Alex Scott although they face competition from Wolverhampton Wanderers, West Ham United and Newcastle United.
The Cherries have already seen an opening £15m bid for the teenager rejected by the Championship club, but it is understood that they have emerged as the front-runners for his signature.
Bournemouth have also registered an interest in Chelsea outcast Callum Hudson-Odoi, while Atalanta forward Jeremie Boga remains on their radar.
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