Liverpool are among the Premier League clubs to have met with Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen’s representatives over a summer move to Anfield, according to reliable journalist David Ornstein.
A new central defender has to be high up on the Reds’ list of priorities this summer, even though Virgil van Dijk looks set to sign a new deal at the club, along with Mohamed Salah.
Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez are both known for being injury-prone figures, while Jarell Quansah is only a squad player rather than a regular starter, so the options in that area aren’t perfect for Arne Slot.
Writing on X on Thursday afternoon, The Athletic‘s Ornstein claimed that Liverpool have met with Huijsen’s people over a switch to the club at the end of the season:
“Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Newcastle, Tottenham have all met Dean Huijsen representatives ahead of decision being made on 19yo centre-back’s future. Bournemouth & player want swift outcome. Release clause £50m.”
A wonderful potential addition for Liverpool
Huijsen has outlined his status as one of Europe’s best young defenders this season, producing a string of commanding performances for an impressive Bournemouth team.
Just 19, the Spaniard has averaged 5.6 clearances per game in the Premier League, as well as 2.3 aerial duel wins per match, and football talent scout Jacek Kulig has described him as a “complete package”. Meanwhile, Joe Partington has said of him:
“A great word to describe him is proactive and not necessarily reactive – but he is capable of being reactive too. It is really difficult as a striker when you’re playing against him because if you feel you have a yard on him, he can get it back, and more often than not he’s reading what’s going on before it’s happened anyway.”
If Liverpool could beat a number of their rivals to the signing of Huijsen this summer, it could feel like a major coup, considering he has a potential world-class ceiling.
While a two-year extension for Van Dijk feels increasingly likely, the Reds must plan for life without their iconic captain, and the Bournemouth star could be just the man to come in and fill that void eventually.
