Liverpool are now racing Real Madrid to the signing of a promising defender, and one who former manager Jurgen Klopp is a big fan of, according to reports
Reds pursuing centre-back with Van Dijk future uncertain
Virgil van Dijk’s future at Anfield remains very much up in the air, with the Dutchman yet to commit to a new contract to extend his stay at Anfield beyond the end of the season.
Losing his captain will be the last thing Arne Slot wants in the summer transfer window, particularly with Trent Alexander-Arnold also seemingly on his way out, with a move to Real Madrid looking increasingly likely.
As such, the Reds will have to remain proactive in the transfer market, in order to make sure they are not left reeling by a potential Van Dijk departure, and one replacement they have in mind is Ajax star Jorrel Hato.
AFC Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen is another name on the shortlist, following the Spaniard’s breakout season with the Cherries in the Premier League, although there will be competition for his signature from Real Madrid.
Huijsen is not the only centre-back Liverpool may have to battle Real Madrid for, however, with a report from Sky Sports revealing the two heavyweights are both interested in signing Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie.
A report from Spain has since gone into more detail about the pursuit of Hincapie, stating the defender has a market value of around €50m (£42m).
The 23-year-old has been linked with a move to Anfield in the past, at which point it was revealed Klopp is a big fan, but it could be very difficult to fend off Madrid in the race for his signature.
“Beast” Hincapie could be an excellent signing
The Ecuadorian has predominantly featured at centre-back throughout his career so far, but his versatility would make him a useful signing for Liverpool, given that he can also play at left-back, which is another area Slot is looking to strengthen.
The aforementioned report makes it clear Real Madrid are also considering a move for Ibrahima Konate this summer, however, and should Van Dijk decide to move on, signing a new centre-back is likely to be a priority, with the Bayer Leverkusen star fitting the bill.
The Esmeraldas-born defender places in the 85th percentile for tackles per 90 over the past year, when compared to his positional peers, and he is ranked among the best tacklers in the Bundesliga, given his rate of success this season.
Hincapie has proven he could be an excellent signing for Liverpool this summer, but their first priority should be to seal a new deal for Van Dijk, given that it would be extremely difficult to replace the 33-year-old.