Journalist Reveals That Liverpool Are In ‘Pole Position’ to Sign £50m Defender | OneFootball

Liverpool Step Up Chase for Huijsen as Defensive Plan Evolves

Slot Looks to Add Youth and Depth to Central Defence

As Liverpool begin reshaping their defensive unit for the Slot era, attention is now firmly fixed on one of the most exciting young centre-backs in European football – Dean Huijsen.

According to Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, Liverpool and Arsenal are “currently in pole position” to sign the Bournemouth defender, with a decision “expected soon.” The 20-year-old is attracting interest across Europe, with Real Madrid said to “remain keen” on his services.

Plettenberg also noted that Bayern Munich have stepped back from the race, citing financial constraints and a pivot in focus towards a potential free move for Jonathan Tah.

Release Clause Offers Structure for Swift Deal

Huijsen’s release clause of £50 million – payable in three instalments – adds a layer of flexibility that could give Liverpool the edge. In a market where structure often determines speed, this could be decisive.

This move is more than a contingency for Ibrahima Konate’s stalled contract negotiations. While the Frenchman’s future remains uncertain due to wage demands, securing Huijsen now would also futureproof Liverpool’s central defence as Virgil van Dijk approaches the final stages of his illustrious Anfield career.

Slot, who values technical centre-backs capable of building from the back, would see Huijsen’s profile as a natural fit.

Rising Star Showing Elite Metrics

Huijsen’s metrics from the 2024/25 campaign have been exceptional. According to FBref, he ranks in the top 7% of centre-backs across Europe’s top five leagues in several key areas:

For a 20-year-old adjusting to the pace of English football, these are elite indicators. Defensively solid, progressive with the ball, and active in attacking phases, Huijsen is already showing signs of a complete centre-back in the making.

Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool Eye Long-Term Centre-Back Blueprint

The ideal scenario for Liverpool is clear: tie down Konate, land Huijsen, and allow the Spanish international to develop under the guidance of Van Dijk. It’s a model that worked for the club’s past signings in midfield and attack – letting new signings integrate gradually before assuming more senior responsibility.

Add Jeremie Frimpong – another target Liverpool are reportedly close to securing – and the summer rebuild starts to look well-balanced and aligned with Arne Slot’s tactical demands.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

There’s something refreshing about seeing Liverpool act with this level of clarity and purpose. After a few reactive transfer windows in recent years, this one is already shaping up to be proactive, ambitious, and smart.

Huijsen ticks every box fans could want from a defensive signing. At just 20, he’s got his entire career ahead of him, but he’s already putting up serious numbers in the Premier League. There’s no denying that a pairing of him and Konate long-term – with Van Dijk there to guide them – is as exciting as it is solid.

There’s still natural concern around Konate’s contract situation. Losing him would be a blow, but fans will appreciate the foresight in chasing Huijsen regardless of how that deal ends. This isn’t just about replacing anyone – it’s about ensuring continuity in defence, something we lacked in transition periods before.

If Richard Hughes can get this done before pre-season, and with Frimpong also possibly arriving, it sets the tone for a new Liverpool identity – one built around energy, control, and youth. A clear plan is visible, and for supporters, that’s often the biggest reassurance.