As Liverpool’ s plans for the summer transfer market begin to take shape, two names have continuously appeared in the rumors and media round-ups in recent weeks.
One, in Milos Kerkez, makes complete sense. Left-back has been a problem position this term, and strengthening in that area over the summer feels like a must. The Bournemouth defender certainly has the quality, is at an age where he’ll only improve, and has already experienced playing weekly in the Premier League. The fact he’s a friend of Dominik Szoboszlai doesn’t hurt, either.
His defensive colleague Dean Huijsen is the second name that appears to keep recurring, but a possible summer move for the Spaniard should raise a tad more concern. On the surface, Huijsen’s pursuit is logical; he ticks several of the same boxes as Kerkez and a set asking price makes his transfer more straightforward, should it be achieved.
On the other hand, targeting an elite-level center-back doesn’t feel necessary. Adding depth in that area makes sense. Jarell Quansah clearly isn’t a player Arne Slot trusts, and Joe Gomez ‘s injury record means he simply cannot be relied on.
That leaves just Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate as the Reds’ center-back choices. The former has committed his future to the club, but Konate’s long-term plans remain unknown. This summer, he will enter the final year of his current deal and attempts to pen an extension have proved unsuccessful so far.
He c ould leave for free in the summer of 2026, with Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain already mooted as possible destinations. That’s why Liverpool’s interest in Huijsen is particularly intriguing. After all, the 20-year-old is a regular starter for a top-10 club – would he consider a summer switch to essentially become a long-term backup? That feels unlikely; he’s not short of transfer suitors.
Huijsen is a player for the future but also the present. Reports have also indicated that playing regularly, particularly in the Champions League, will be a factor in Huijsen’s decision this summer.
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Slot could, of course, rotate his defensive options next season, but that’s not an option coaches usually deploy with center-backs, a less energy-sapping position where consistency tends to result in better performances. Only last week Slot expressed his aversion to squad rotation.
“There’s a lot of research done about the longer the team plays together, the better they start to play, or the more often they play together, the better they play as well,” he said Slot. “That’s why I am not a big fan of rotating the team every game by five, six, or seven positions.”
Then there’s the possibility that a move for Huijsen could see Liverpool utilize a three-at-the-back system next season. Again, that seems unlikely. Slot prefers a back four with two more traditional full-backs. Arsenal and Manchester City will sometimes select center-backs in the wide areas or ask defenders to push forward and operate as quasi-midfielders, but that’s not a function Slot has tended to ask of his back four.
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The exceptions have come when Liverpool has been trailing and in need of a goal, with Ryan Gravenberch providing the link between defense and midfield.
The performances of Van Dijk and Konate haven’t given any cause for concern this season; it’s difficult to imagine any summer signing dislodging them from the team. Other areas are a bigger priority: Right-back, left-back and striker being the obvious three.
It begs the question of why, if reports are to be believed, Huijsen’s transfer is seen as essential. Liverpool fans may not like the answer.
