Liverpool will face competition from Bayern Munich in race to sign Bournemouth starlet Dean Huijsen. Arne Slot and Liverpool’s recruitment team are said to view Huijsen, 20, as a long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk.
Although Van Dijk is poised to sign a new two-year contract this week, the Reds are planning for when their captain eventually leaves. Centre-back partner Ibrahima Konate is also facing an uncertain future, with his current deal expiring in 2026.
Huijsen has emerged as one of Europe’s most coveted young defenders following his £12.6million move from Juventus last summer and made his debut for Spain last month, despite being born in the Netherlands. Bournemouth are braced for offers and it’s become well-documented that there’s a £50million release clause in his contract.
Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Newcastle and Tottenham have all reportedly made contact with Huijsen’s representatives to discuss a potential move. But now Bayern have entered the race, plotting to sign both him and ex-Juventus team-mate Kenan Yildiz this summer.
Tuttosport claim that Bayern are interested in bringing Turkey international Yildiz back to Bavaria after the German-born forward spent the 2021-22 season there. It’s added that Bayern have put their hat in the ring for Huijsen alongside a number of other clubs who are hopeful of securing his signature.
Vincent Kompany’s side won’t have it easy, though, as Liverpool are ready to make a statement when the summer transfer window opens. Ahead of signing new his contract, Van Dijk dropped a hint that the Reds are preparing for a ‘big summer’.
“Whatever happens in terms of players going out, players coming in, I think it should be a big summer,” the Liverpool captain said after Sunday’s 2-1 win against West Ham. “I think they’re planning to make it a big summer, so we all have to trust the board to do the right job.”
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Slot has also vowed to make sure that Liverpool have a ‘very strong’ squad next season. Commenting on Mo Salah’s decision to sign a new deal, the Reds boss said: “That’s a good start for this summer, clearly.
“We have all the confidence in him that he can produce two more years than he has produced in the past seven or eight years, because of the reasons I just gave you. But also because we will make this team very strong next season. Then it’s always nice to have someone that can make a goal.”
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