£13m PL player now 'expected' to move this summer and Liverpool know him really well - David Ornstein
03/21/2025 07:00 AM
Liverpool’s summer transfer plans are starting to come into focus as the final international break of the season takes effect.
The Reds are expected to be busy at the end of the campaign, with Arne Slot finally putting his stamp on the group.
There could be changes in defence, midfield and attack for Liverpool as they look to reshape the team in Slot’s image.
In defence, plenty is likely to depend on whether captain Virgil van Dijk signs a new deal to stay at Anfield. If he does not, at least one new centre-back will need to be added to the Liverpool squad.
If that happens, there have been murmurings that Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen could feature prominently on Liverpool’s shortlist.
And with the transfer window starting to speed into view, journalist David Ornstein has laid out the expectations for Huijsen this summer.
Dean Huijsen expected to leave Bournemouth
Liverpool were linked with Huijsen when he was on the way out of Juventus last year. In the end, the 19-year-old arrived at Bournemouth for just £12.8m.
And according to Ornstein, he is certainly one to watch for the upcoming window too, with Liverpool – and Richard Hughes in particular – said to be very much aware of Huijsen.
“For any top teams seeking a centre-back, Huijsen will likely be on the radar,” he says during a transfer Q&A for The Athletic.
“He is expected to move for that £50million clause, which is active in the summer, and I'm sure Bournemouth, the player and his suitors would ideally like some clarity sooner rather than later so they can plan accordingly.”
“Richard Hughes and members of Liverpool's recruitment team will know him particularly well given their links to Bournemouth,” Ornstein adds.
“But I'm not sure if they're pursuing him (I'll need to make more checks) and you imagine there would need to be some outward movement in the Anfield centre-back department to create space for such a player. Also, is that position their top priority right now? Let's see. I'm sure we'll come back to the Huijsen topic in the weeks ahead!”
Is there competition for Hujisen?
While Ornstein does not go all in on Liverpool’s interest in Huijsen just yet, the reporter does suggest more concrete admiration from the likes of Chelsea.
“We know Chelsea have been looking closely at him,” he says. “Newcastle have been heavily linked but not sure I see that one materialising, and even massive clubs on the continent like Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are being mentioned in certain quarters.
“Some I speak to think he could well move overseas but nothing seems to be set in stone yet.”
With such big, rich sides looking at Huijsen – and a £50m release clause possibly needing to be paid in full – we’re not sure we see Liverpool getting involved here.
But, as Ornstein says, he’s clearly on the radar and Liverpool could very well need a top centre-back bringing in, so let’s see.
