Report: Liverpool Ready to Activate £50m Release Clause for Defender | OneFootball

Liverpool Eye Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen in £50m Summer Move

Liverpool are reportedly set to trigger the £50 million release clause of Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen as they look to reinforce their defensive line. According to iNews, the Reds are “expected to make their move” at the end of the season, with Manchester United and Tottenham also monitoring the 19-year-old. However, Liverpool’s strong position in the Premier League and their likely Champions League qualification make them a more attractive destination.

Why Liverpool Want Huijsen

Huijsen has emerged as one of the most promising centre-backs in English football, making an immediate impact at Bournemouth following his move from Juventus. Standing at 6’5”, the Dutch-born Spain U21 international has been praised for his “adaptable and technically excellent” defensive play. His ability to operate at left centre-back despite being naturally right-footed has added to his appeal, with iNews highlighting his talent at “bringing the ball out of defence.”

With uncertainty surrounding Virgil van Dijk’s future at Anfield, Huijsen is viewed as a long-term successor to the Liverpool captain. While Van Dijk has stated that he has “no idea” about his contract situation beyond this season, the club is already planning for the future by targeting one of the Premier League’s emerging defensive talents.

Competition for His Signature

Liverpool are not the only club interested in Huijsen. Manchester United and Tottenham are also in the mix, but as iNews reports, Liverpool have “by far the strongest interest.” Neither United nor Spurs are set to feature in the Champions League next season, which could give the Reds a crucial advantage in negotiations.

Bournemouth, meanwhile, are bracing themselves for offers, knowing that Huijsen’s release clause makes his departure a strong possibility. The Cherries signed the defender from Juventus for £15.3 million after a successful loan spell at AS Roma, meaning they stand to make a significant profit should Liverpool finalise the deal.

Could Liverpool Also Move for Milos Kerkez?

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Huijsen is not the only Bournemouth player linked with a move to Anfield. iNews also reports that Liverpool have a strong interest in left-back Milos Kerkez, valued at £40 million, as a potential long-term successor to Andy Robertson.

Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes has reportedly attended multiple Bournemouth matches this season, fuelling speculation that the Reds could target more than one player from his former club. While some may view this as an easy scouting move, both Huijsen and Kerkez are highly rated and represent solid investments.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

The move for Huijsen makes perfect sense. At just 19, he already has the physical attributes and technical ability to slot into a top side, and his versatility at centre-back would add much-needed depth to the squad.

Van Dijk’s uncertain future only increases the need for defensive reinforcements, and Huijsen could provide Liverpool with a long-term partner for Ibrahima Konaté. With the Premier League becoming more physically demanding, having a 6’5” defender capable of playing out from the back is exactly what Arne Slot’s system requires.

However, there is always a risk with young defenders making the jump to a club with Liverpool’s ambitions. While Huijsen has been excellent for Bournemouth, stepping up to play for a title-contending side is a different challenge. He would need time to adjust, much like Konaté did when he arrived from RB Leipzig.

The price tag of £50 million is another consideration. While release clauses often inflate valuations, the market for young defenders is highly competitive, and Liverpool could view this as a strategic long-term investment. Given the interest from other clubs, acting quickly could be key to securing his signature before the competition intensifies.

Ultimately, Huijsen’s signing would be a statement of intent from Liverpool. If the deal goes through, it signals a commitment to strengthening their defensive foundation for the future while also keeping an eye on the present.