LIVERPOOL’S £95M DEFENSIVE AMBITION: WHY THIS SUMMER’S MOVES MATTER MORE
PLOTTING BOLD MOVES IN THE MARKET
As Liverpool prepare for life beyond Jurgen Klopp, their recruitment strategy under Arne Slot is beginning to take shape—and it’s anything but conservative. With a potential £95 million double raid on Bournemouth in the works, the Reds are firmly positioning themselves for another reshuffle, this time at the back
Dean Huijsen and Milos Kerkez are reportedly at the top of Liverpool’s wishlist, according to a report by Lewis Steele in the Daily Mail. The club’s decision-makers are moving quickly, aware of fierce competition for both players and keen to shore up a defence that’s seen its stability wobble in recent seasons
This isn’t a speculative link—it’s calculated. The club recently held a high-level recruitment meeting and confirmed their intentions to be aggressive in the summer market. Up to five new faces could arrive at Anfield before the next season kicks off.
Dean Huijsen, just 20, may be playing at Bournemouth now, but he’s already been linked with the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal, and even Real Madrid. Scouts admire his blend of “old-school defensive traits” and composure on the ball. He’s a rare hybrid: physical, smart, but modern in possession.
The Spain international, who previously represented the Netherlands at youth level, has a £50 million release clause. That hasn’t stopped clubs queuing up. Chelsea are believed to be leading the chase, but Liverpool remain firmly in the race.
Liverpool’s interest in Huijsen makes football sense. With Virgil van Dijk ageing, Ibrahima Konaté out of contract in 2026 and yet to agree an extension, and Joe Gomez attracting external interest, the spine of the defence is beginning to look fragile.
As Lewis Steele notes: “If Huijsen ends up elsewhere, it feels like this is the summer for Liverpool to upgrade the centre half department.” A potential fallback could be Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, but Huijsen clearly fits the profile Arne Slot wants—a player ready now, with years of growth ahead.
WHY KERKEZ COULD BE THE KEY TO LEFT BACK EVOLUTION
On the left, Milos Kerkez is the other name in the frame. At around £45 million, he’s not cheap—but the Hungarian full-back comes with pedigree and chemistry. He’s a close friend of Dominik Szoboszlai and has settled quickly into the Premier League.
Andy Robertson has been an outstanding servant, but at 31, Liverpool have to think about long-term succession. Kostas Tsimikas, while reliable in rotation, hasn’t nailed down a claim to the shirt. Kerkez, in contrast, could challenge from day one and push the level higher.
Arne Slot is reportedly eager to “upgrade that area of their defence”, and Kerkez ticks the boxes. He’s technically sharp, aggressive in duels, and already has top-flight experience