David Ornstein Confirms Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea Have All ‘Held Talks’ with £50m Premier League Defender | OneFootball

Why Liverpool’s Interest in Dean Huijsen Could Be a Strategic Masterstroke

When David Ornstein reveals something, people tend to listen. The latest from The Athletic suggests Liverpool are among several Premier League giants tracking AFC Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen, a name rapidly rising in the ranks of Europe’s most promising young centre-backs.

“Yes, I now understand that Liverpool are among the clubs with a firm interest in Dean Huijsen,” Ornstein writes, adding that Chelsea and Arsenal are similarly engaged. Newcastle and Tottenham are also reportedly in the mix. Real Madrid—once considered Huijsen’s dream destination—are not believed to be actively pursuing the player right now, shifting the spotlight firmly to England.

What makes this especially intriguing is the relative silence surrounding Ibrahima Konaté’s contract situation. As Ornstein notes: “Maybe their consideration is influenced by the lack of developments so far on Ibrahima Konaté’s contract situation.” With uncertainty mounting around the Frenchman’s long-term future at Anfield, Huijsen may represent more than just a shrewd addition—he might be a crucial one.

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Tactical Fit and Long-Term Potential

Huijsen, currently impressing with Bournemouth, fits the bill of a modern centre-back: tall, composed, elegant on the ball, and progressive in his passing. He’s already operating at a high level in the Premier League, and at just 19, his ceiling remains incredibly high.

From Liverpool’s perspective, this isn’t simply about adding depth. It’s about future-proofing the defence. “You imagine Huijsen would have a good chance of starting alongside Virgil van Dijk if he was signed,” writes Ornstein. That’s not a throwaway line. With Van Dijk ageing and Konaté’s situation unresolved, this is the kind of proactive squad building that top clubs get right—and those who wait often regret.

The £50 million release clause adds another layer of logic. “The £50m release clause makes it a clean and potentially quick deal to do, which we’ve seen Liverpool capitalise on in the past.” Think of Luis Díaz and Cody Gakpo—when the Reds move decisively, they often get their man before the market catches up.

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Competition Heats Up Across Premier League

Huijsen’s potential availability has ignited a flurry of interest across the top half of the Premier League. Chelsea are positioning themselves with the possibility of pairing him with Levi Colwill. Tottenham and Newcastle see him as an instant upgrade. Arsenal’s situation is “a bit trickier with Saliba and Gabriel in situ for now,” but a potential Kiwior departure could open the door.

Right-Sided Shift in Recruitment Strategy

Ornstein points to a tactical pivot in recruitment across several clubs: “Suddenly from everyone wanting a left centre-back, it’s currently the right side they’re all focusing on.” That aligns with the current shape of Liverpool’s defensive line—where the right side is more vulnerable both in depth and durability. It’s also interesting to hear other names like Marc Guéhi and Trevoh Chalobah mentioned as potential options, though Huijsen’s combination of age, technical prowess, and experience in a tactical league arguably sets him apart.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Liverpool supporter’s standpoint, this report should raise both eyebrows and optimism. Dean Huijsen is no longer just a name whispered on scouting reports—he’s becoming a tangible target. At 6’5”, with composure beyond his years and a Serie A pedigree, Huijsen feels like a player tailor-made for the demands of Anfield.

There’s also a sense of timing here. Van Dijk can’t do it forever. Konaté, for all his brilliance, has yet to establish himself as a week-in, week-out anchor. Joe Gomez remains versatile but lacks the same elite defensive instincts. In that context, £50 million for Huijsen doesn’t seem speculative—it feels necessary.

It’s also worth noting Liverpool’s quiet but clever transition planning. If they were to pounce before others firm up their intent, this could be another example of the Reds doing business the “Liverpool way”: smart, swift, and strategically ahead of the curve.

And let’s not forget, this is a club that has rebuilt entire phases of its squad without major upheaval. If the groundwork is being laid now, it’s because they see Huijsen not just as part of the present—but as one of the architects of Liverpool’s next great team.