Liverpool are believed to be targeting a potential move for Benfica centre-back Tomas Araujo, with the Reds seeing him as an alternative to Dean Huijsen.
Arne Slot will be after at least one new central defender in the summer transfer window, and two may even be needed if one of Joe Gomez or Jarell Quansah moves on.
It remains to be seen if that will happen, but a host of top defensive options have been linked with moves to Liverpool, including Bournemouth star Huijsen.
The 19-year-old has been one of the standout centre-backs in the Premier League this season, enhancing his reputation greatly, and now a host of Europe’s top clubs want to sign him, from Real Madrid to Arsenal.
Liverpool must plan for a situation where they miss out on Huijsen, and according to Anfield Watch, Araujo is seen as an option for the Merseysiders if they fail to get the Bournemouth ace.
He has a reported £67m release clause in his current deal, and is also thought to be wanted by Manchester City, having also played at right-back at times this season.
Should Liverpool look to sign Araujo or Huijsen?
Huijsen arguably still stands out as Liverpool’s most exciting centre-back option this summer, considering how impressive he has been for Bournemouth, but Araujo is an exciting target, too.
Only 22 himself, the Portuguese’s ability to thrive at both centre-back and right-back could appeal to Slot, as he looks to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Meanwhile, football talent scout Jacek Kulig has lauded so many aspects of Araujo’s game in the past, describing him as “complete”, “elegant” and “dominant”, as well as comparing him to former Belgium and Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld.
He has started 27 games in the Primeira Liga in 2024/25, chopping between two positions and excelling in both – he has averaged 2.5 tackles, 1.7 aerial duel wins and 1.5 clearances per match in the competition – and while £67m is a lot of money, it could end up looking like a bargain over time.
As mentioned, though, Huijsen should still be viewed as the priority option, especially as he has already proven his worth in the Premier League, despite being three years Araujo’s junior.