Dean Huijsen – The £50m Van Dijk Successor Liverpool Can’t Miss | OneFootball

Would Dean Huijsen Be the Perfect Summer Signing for Liverpool?

As Liverpool continues to strengthen under Arne Slot, defensive reinforcements will be a key priority heading into the summer transfer window. Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté remain a strong centre-back pairing, but with the demands of a long season across multiple competitions, squad depth is essential. Joe Gomez’s future remains uncertain, with a potential move away or even a shift to right-back if Trent Alexander-Arnold does not renew his contract.

One name that should be high on Liverpool’s radar is Dean Huijsen. The 19-year-old Bournemouth defender has been one of the standout young centre-backs in the Premier League this season, showcasing composure, aerial dominance, and the ability to play out from the back. With a £50 million release clause set to become active in July 2025, Liverpool may have a golden opportunity to secure a long-term successor in defence.

Dean Huijsen – Player Profile

Club: Bournemouth

Nationality: Spain (born in the Netherlands)

Age: 19 years old

Date of Birth: April 14, 2005

Position: Centre-Back

Height: 1.97m

Preferred Foot: Right

2024/25 Appearances: 23 games

2024/25 Minutes Played: 1,690 minutes

2024/25 Goals: 2

Aerial Win Percentage: 67%

Interceptions per 90 Minutes: 2.1

Contract Expiry: June 30, 2030

International Caps: 1 appearance for Spain

Market Value: €42 million

Release Clause: £50 million (active from July 2025)

Dominant Defender with Huge Potential

At 6ft 5in, Huijsen is an imposing presence at the heart of Bournemouth’s defence. Despite his height, he isn’t just a physical enforcer—his reading of the game and ball-playing ability make him a well-rounded modern centre-back. His aerial win rate of 67% highlights his dominance in the air, an essential trait for any defender playing in the Premier League.

Huijsen’s ability to anticipate danger is another standout aspect of his game. Averaging 2.1 interceptions per 90 minutes, he consistently breaks up opposition attacks before they develop. This level of defensive awareness is rare for a player of his age, making him an ideal long-term successor to Van Dijk, who has set the standard for Liverpool’s backline in recent years.

Perfect Fit For Slot’s System

Liverpool’s defensive philosophy under Slot requires centre-backs who can step out with the ball, distribute effectively, and maintain composure under pressure. Huijsen’s technical ability makes him a natural fit. He is comfortable carrying the ball forward and starting attacks from deep, something that aligns with Liverpool’s playing style.

His passing range and calmness in possession would complement Konaté well, and in time, he could form the foundation of Liverpool’s next great defensive pairing. Importantly, he would provide the squad with greater rotation options, ensuring Van Dijk and Konaté are not overworked throughout a gruelling season.

Squad Planning and the Need for Defensive Depth

Liverpool’s summer transfer strategy must account for the potential departure of Joe Gomez, as well as uncertainty over Alexander-Arnold’s contract situation. If Gomez moves on or shifts to right-back, Liverpool would be left with limited options at centre-back beyond Van Dijk and Konaté. Jarell Quansah has shown promise, but adding another high-calibre defender would ensure Liverpool remains competitive on all fronts.

Huijsen’s signing would also provide a long-term solution for when Van Dijk eventually winds down his playing career. Rather than waiting until it becomes a necessity, Liverpool could future-proof their defence by bringing in a young, highly-rated centre-back now.

Liverpool Must Act Decisively

With Huijsen’s release clause set at £50 million, Liverpool would need to act quickly if they want to secure his signature. Interest in the defender is growing, and with Real Madrid reportedly monitoring him as well, delaying could see the club miss out on an elite young talent.

At just 19, Huijsen has already shown he can perform at a high level in the Premier League. With the right development, he could become one of the league’s best defenders. Liverpool has a strong track record of identifying talent before their peak years—signing Huijsen now would be another example of smart long-term planning.

Final Thoughts

Liverpool’s defensive evolution is inevitable, and securing a top young centre-back should be a key priority in 2025. Dean Huijsen has the size, ability, and mentality to thrive at Anfield, making him a perfect addition to Slot’s squad. With a release clause becoming active this summer, Liverpool must decide whether they will move quickly to bring in a player who could be a cornerstone of their defence for the next decade.