Rumoured incoming new Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola reportedly wants to sign Dean Huijsen from Real Madrid in the summer transfer window.
There is almost an inevitability about Iraola being confirmed as Arne Slot’s replacement in the coming days, with Lewis Steele among the journalists confirming as much on Tuesday:
“Liverpool are pressing on in talks with Andoni Iraola today and are hoping for a swift conclusion. Richard Hughes leading the meetings.”
Once Iraola arrives as Liverpool’s new boss, he will know the importance of signing the right players for his system, with fresh faces needed all over the pitch for the Reds, whether it be right-back, central midfield or right wing, to name just a few positions.
According to a report from Spain [via Caught Offside], the Spaniard is keen on snapping up £60m-rated Huijsen from Madrid ahead of next season, having managed him during their time together at Bournemouth.
The Spain international reportedly hasn’t yet fully convinced at the Santiago Bernabeu, which could potentially give Liverpool a chance of signing him.
Could Dean Huijsen be Virgil van Dijk’s successor at Liverpool?
Huijsen is a huge talent and one of the best young centre-backs in Europe currently, with Iraola speaking of his admiration for him in the past, saying:
“You never want to lose this kind of player. He has been very good for us but there is a part also that you feel happy for him because he goes to Real Madrid. I think it is what he really wanted to do and we hope everything goes well for him after these two games. I have no doubts he is ready for the jump.”
If the opportunity arises for Liverpool to sign Huijsen, they should go for it, with the 21-year-old standing out as a possible ideal long-term successor to Virgil van Dijk, possessing his calm in possession and calm demeanour.
But it would arguably be a surprise if Madrid were willing to sell him so soon into his career there, given how high his ceiling is, so the Reds may have to look elsewhere for central defensive options.