Liverpool’s summer shopping list seems to have a big red circle around one name: Dean Huijsen.
The 20-year-old Bournemouth defender has been catching plenty of eyes, but it’s the Kop who appear to be watching the closest.
With transfer talk heating up and a hefty £50 million release clause dangling in the air, Liverpool could be lining up another Mac Allister-style swoop.
So what’s behind the Reds’ interest? According to club insider James Pearce (via The Athletic), it’s not just about potential — it’s about perfect timing.
Huijsen checks all the right boxes for Liverpool. He’s young, already tested in the Premier League, and most importantly, comfortable on the ball.
In Arne Slot’s new system, ball-playing centre-backs are more than a luxury — they’re a must-have.
And while the transfer buzz has plenty of clubs circling — Chelsea, Arsenal, Newcastle, and Spurs are also sniffing around — Pearce believes Liverpool’s pitch might be the most convincing.
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Dean Huijsen to Liverpool: One for the future
Let’s break it down: Virgil van Dijk is sticking around with a new contract, but Ibrahima Konate’s future is less certain.
With just a year left on his deal and talks stalling, Liverpool may have to act fast — either lock him down or let him go.
That’s where Huijsen comes in. The youngster can play on either side of central defense, and his two-footed passing could complement Van Dijk’s calm authority.
Pearce even hinted that Huijsen could be the long-term replacement for the Dutch captain.
“He can also deputize for either Van Dijk or Konate,” Pearce noted. “Huijsen’s ball-carrying would add an extra layer to Liverpool’s ball progression.”
Translation: this isn’t just a signing for depth — it’s a signing for evolution.
Add in his ability to defend high up the pitch and track tricky forwards, and Huijsen looks tailor-made for Slot’s game plan.
In a team that loves to press, recover, and play through the middle, he’s not just a piece of the puzzle — he could be the missing one.
And while defenders don’t often steal the summer headlines, this one might just make noise from back to front.
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