Arne Slot is reportedly pushing to sign Dean Huijsen as one of the summer’s priority centre-back targets, as central defenders need to be recruited.
According to Fichajes, Arne Slot wants to sign a centre-back as a priority in the summer and has been reportedly pushing for Dean Huijsen. The Bournemouth defender has been having a tremendous season and is already on the shortlist of top clubs, with Liverpool, in particular, looking to add new central defenders in the summer.
The future of Virgil van Dijk would definitively shape Liverpool’s summer plans. Depending on whether the club captain stays or not, Liverpool will decide the number of central defenders Arne Slot would like to bring to the club, although they might have narrowed down one option as their priority arrival.
Van Dijk is coming to the end of his deal at Liverpool, and while there are talks of a new contract, there’s huge uncertainty whether the Dutchman will stay beyond the current season. Liverpool are set to accelerate their chase for a new centre-back, as their list comprises three names as top targets.
Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven is on their list, while Marc Guehi is also considered a priority target in the next window. The third is Dean Huijsen, with Liverpool present in the race alongside other rivals for the Bournemouth defender, who has excelled this season under Andoni Iraola.
Huijsen reportedly has a £55 million release clause in his contract, which might make any decision straightforward. His application on the pitch and ability on the ball make him a perfect profile for Liverpool irrespective of whether Van Dijk leaves. Moreover, the 19-year-old Premier League prospect is two-footed, which makes him an excellent choice to play either side of the central defence.
Arne Slot pushing for Dean Huijsen
Arne Slot will value a player like Huijsen in his team, which could make him an important signing in the summer. The Dutch manager is pushing to sign his compatriot and will hope to add to the defensive set-up rather than use him as a replacement for a player like Van Dijk.
Liverpool are also in a strong position to invest big, as the £55 million release clause for the 19-year-old Premier League prospect already looks like value for money, given his performances this season. Liverpool might not face any issues in convincing the player to move, but they might face big competition from Premier League rivals for the Dutchman.
