Chelsea ‘set to beat Liverpool to Dean Huijsen’ after £50m developments
Liverpool are set for a much busier summer transfer window despite success this season, as several areas in their squad need addressing.
The Reds are set to win the Premier League in an unprecedented achievement, but the squad depth needs improvement as they crashed out of the other three competitions in quick succession.
Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk have signed new contracts to give Liverpool a boost heading into the window, but several additions may now be necessary.
Liverpool are among the clubs monitoring one Premier League star ahead of a possible move this summer, but they are now falling behind in the race to sign him.
Liverpool fall behind Chelsea in Dean Huijsen pursuit
Liverpool have been monitoring Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen with a view to a summer move, but they are not the only interested party.
Huijsen has impressed at Bournemouth since joining from Juventus, and recently became a full-fledged Spain international.
| Stat | Dean Huijsen |
| Appearances | 27 |
| Clean sheets | 7 |
| Clearances | 5.9 |
| Aerial duels won | 2.3 (60%) |
| Accurate passes | 41.3 (85%) |
The Independent have now reported that Chelsea have pulled ahead of Liverpool and Arsenal in the race to sign Huijsen, with the 19-year-old now strongly considering a move to Stamford Bridge.
The Spaniard has an asking price of around £50m and is also a target for Real Madrid, who are set to add Trent Alexander-Arnold to their ranks this summer.
Huijsen could be an ideal long-term replacement for Van Dijk, and Liverpool are keen to add to their back line this summer.
Liverpool need to sign a centre-back
Joe Gomez could leave this summer, and Liverpool need to strengthen their options across the back line, including in the centre.
Although Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate are an outstanding partnership, the depth in the position needs to improve.
Konate’s injury record is questionable, and extra rotation for the ageing Van Dijk would be ideal for Arne Slot.
Huijsen could be the perfect signing in that regard, arriving with Premier League experience under his belt, but as an option for the long-term, but it now appears that Liverpool may have to look elsewhere.