Liverpool will reportedly compete with Manchester United and a few other bigwigs for 18-year-old Dutch-born centre-back Dean Huijsen.
According to a report by Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, Dean Huijsen is the subject of interest from Liverpool. The Reds are scouring the market for a centre-back heading into the summer transfer window. Meanwhile, the 18-year-old defender is also a target for Manchester United.
Who is Dean Huijsen?
Dean Huijsen is the latest highly-rated defensive prospect to rise in prominence in Europe. A native of Amsterdam, he spent most of his formative years in Spain before arriving in Italy by joining Juventus in July 2021. The teenage sensation rose through the ranks before breaking into the first-team squad at the Allianz Stadium in October 2023.
The 18-year-old joined AS Roma on loan in the winter transfer window and has made his mark in his 12 outings for the Giallorossi, chipping in with two goals and one assist. Meanwhile, the Dutch-born defender has chosen to represent Spain at the under-21 level, making his debut for the team this month.
Huijsen’s progress has also captured the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe. The Premier League might be his next destination, with many English bigwigs setting their sights on him. Liverpool and Manchester United are vying for the services of the highly-rated defender heading into the summer transfer window.
Premier League Calling?
Manchester United’s interest in Dean Huijsen is understandable. The Red Devils will likely part ways with a couple of defenders in the summer transfer window, with Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans facing an uncertain future at Old Trafford. The 18-year-old Dutch-born Spanish youth international has thus emerged as a viable target for Manchester United.
As for Liverpool, Joel Matip has entered the final six months of his contract, with talks over a new deal not progressing. While Jarell Quansah has been impressive this season, it behoves Liverpool to invest in a highly-rated centre-back. Huijsen is thus an option worth considering for the Merseyside club.
Recent reports have claimed that Juventus will look to keep hold of Huijsen beyond the summer transfer window. So, Liverpool and Manchester United face an uphill task to win the race to sign the 18-year-old Dutch-born Spanish youth international.