Real Madrid have been a constant problem for Liverpool in recent years.
On the pitch, they’ve inflicted heartbreak twice by beating the Reds in the Champions League final. Off it, they’re causing just as many problems.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to join Madrid on a free transfer, after announcing he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season.
And now, they have handed them another blow, this time beating Liverpool to sign Dean Huijsen.
Liverpool to target Jorrel Hato as Real Madrid agree deal for Huijsen
Huijsen was strongly linked with Liverpool but it appears that Real Madrid have beaten them along with other suitors including Arsenal to his signature.
Bournemouth officially announced that the Spanish side has triggered the player’s £50m buy-out clause and a deal is completed.
Fabrizio Romano had previously reported that Liverpool are interested in Ajax star Jorrel Hato as backup if they fail to land Huijsen.
The Reds were reportedly waiting on the Spaniard’s decision before moving forward. With Huijsen now Madrid-bound, Arne Slot’s side could switch their focus to Hato, who is valued at around £25 million.
The 19-year-old has risen through the ranks at Ajax, breaking into the first team in 2023 and quickly establishing himself as a regular starter.
His emergence has garnered a lot of praise, with Virgil van Dijk already giving the Reds his seal of approval.
How Real Madrid’s deal for Dean Huijsen impacts Ibrahima Konate’s contract situation at Liverpool
The Dean Huijsen deal could also impact Ibrahima Konate’s future at Anfield.
Liverpool are still in talks with the French defender over a contract extension, but negotiations have stalled.
TBR Football recently reported that Konate is holding off on signing a new deal because he wants a significant pay rise, one that would put him among the highest earners at the club.
His current contract expires next summer, and the club are desperate to avoid another Trent-like situation.
Madrid have long admired Konate and continue to keep him on their list of defensive targets, alongside Arsenal’s William Saliba.
However, Marca reports that the Reds fear that the situation with Konate is going down the same route.
Journalist Jose Felix Diaz reports: “At Anfield, they’re experiencing a very strange feeling following Frenchman Konate’s refusal to renew his contract. They’re starting to detect ghosts very similar to those they felt just a year ago, when Alexander Arnold began to reject offers to extend his contract.”
But with Madrid agreeing a deal for Huijsen, would they still be keen on signing Konate? According to Ben Jacobs, Huijsen’s arrival will not change Madrid’s stance.
Speaking on Curtis Shaw TV on YouTube, Jacobs stated: “I know we hear Real Madrid are pushing and I wouldn’t view Huijsen to Real Madrid as ending their interest in Saliba.
Two defenders could definitely come in for Real Madrid and Ibrahima Konate is another name on their list.
