Grizz Khan: Liverpool Have Met Huijsen’s Reps, Call Deal “A No-Brainer” | OneFootball

Liverpool Transfer Focus: Grizz Khan Calls Dean Huijsen Deal “As Close to a No-Brainer”

Liverpool’s summer transfer window talk has begun in earnest, and the centre-back position is a focal point. On the ChatG&G podcast for Anfield Index, hosts Gags Tandon and Grizz Khan discussed the club’s reported interest in Dean Huijsen, with Tandon revealing inside information and offering a clear opinion on the Dutch defender’s suitability.

Huijsen’s Profile and Price Tag Attract Interest

At just 19 years old, Dean Huijsen has become one of the most talked-about young defenders in Europe. The Bournemouth star has a reported €50 million release clause—a fee Gags Tandon and Grizz Khan believe makes him a viable option for Liverpool.

“I messaged [Sam Maguire] in private about a week ago saying we have met with Huijsen’s reps,” Khan shared, giving listeners a rare glimpse into the early stages of Liverpool’s transfer movement. He continued, “I think this is as close as you’re going to get to a no-brainer.”

Huijsen’s physical attributes were also highlighted. “He’s a monster—he’s an absolute six foot four,” said Gags, though he also acknowledged concerns around the player’s aerial prowess: “He’s not the most physically commanding… that will come with maturity.”

Photo IMAGO

Concerns Around Defensive Fit

Despite Huijsen’s promise, there was some hesitation from Grizz’s source, football writer Sam Maguire. “His initial reaction was ‘I’m not sure about his duel success rate aerially,’” said Khan. “We normally go for people with far higher success rates than him.”

Gags Tandon, while intrigued, was not entirely convinced either. “I can see one of [Gomez or Quansah] being moved on… I personally wouldn’t move on either,” he said, cautioning against defensive upheaval without clear upgrades. The discussion underlined Liverpool’s need to strike a balance between long-term planning and short-term stability.

Competition and Market Context

Huijsen is not only on Liverpool’s radar. “Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United and Real Madrid are in for him,” Grizz stated. That level of interest naturally intensifies the scrutiny.

But Khan remained bullish about the logic of the deal. “In terms of price, in terms of wage bracket, in terms of future potential… 50 million release clause automatically gets him.”

Photo: IMAGO

He also suggested Liverpool are well-positioned: “When Ornstein mentioned it as well, I went back to [Sam] and said ‘Have you changed your mind now?’”

While Maguire maintained reservations, Tandon concluded emphatically: “One to keep an eye on for absolute sure… I think he could be one of the earliest signings of the season.”

Slot’s Tactical Perspective

As Liverpool transition into the Arne Slot era, the type of centre-back recruited will be crucial. Though not explicitly referenced in this segment, both Gags and Grizz have previously emphasised the need for defenders who can function in both defensive and possession systems—something Huijsen may grow into.

With other clubs circling and internal change already underway, Liverpool’s transfer business may move quickly. As it stands, Huijsen’s candidacy remains live, with Gags giving it the strongest possible endorsement short of confirmation.