Fabrizio Romano Provides Update on Liverpool’s Interest in Dean Huijsen – Three Clubs are Out of the Race | OneFootball

Liverpool Among Frontrunners for Dean Huijsen as Interest in Defender Heats Up

Liverpool’s search for defensive reinforcements has intensified, with 20-year-old Spanish international Dean Huijsen emerging as a standout name. As reported by Fabrizio Romano, the Reds are among the clubs showing “genuine interest” in the Bournemouth centre-back, whose performances this season have catapulted him into elite-level discussions.

Bournemouth secured Huijsen for just £12.8 million from Juventus last summer—a deal that now looks like one of the bargains of the decade. Under the guidance of Andoni Iraola, Huijsen has played a pivotal role in guiding the Cherries to a record Premier League points tally, while also earning senior international caps for Spain.

With a £50 million release clause in his current deal, Europe’s heavyweights are circling. Romano noted:

“Liverpool interest is really genuine, they want him for sure but this is not new.”

That statement alone reveals a long-term admiration from the Anfield recruitment team. As the club prepares for life under Arne Slot, landing a young defender with Huijsen’s attributes would align perfectly with Liverpool’s ongoing transition.

Chelsea’s Aggressive Approach and Arsenal’s Quiet Pressure

Romano also highlighted Chelsea’s aggressive intent in this market. Their approach remains consistent with recent strategies, offering long-term deals to promising youngsters.

“Chelsea were already open to sending a proposal in January already, but was impossible because the clause was not valid [in winter window].”

It’s clear the Blues are ready to invest heavily again, reportedly preparing a seven-year deal to lure Huijsen to Stamford Bridge. However, Chelsea’s ambitious moves haven’t yet convinced the player.

Photo: IMAGO

Arsenal, too, remain in contention, with Mikel Arteta seeking a top-tier centre-back to bolster his title-challenging squad. Romano confirmed:

“Don’t forget about Arsenal, they are there and are pushing.”

This three-way Premier League race—Liverpool, Chelsea, and Arsenal—underscores just how highly Huijsen is rated across the top of English football.

Market Dynamics Could Rule Others Out

While other clubs, including Newcastle United, Tottenham, and Bayern Munich, have shown interest, Romano believes they may struggle to keep up financially or logistically.

“It looks difficult for Newcastle United and Tottenham to enter this race in a concrete way… Bayern feel that Premier League clubs can spend way more.”

This further narrows the field, suggesting a genuine three-horse race for the Spanish defender. Importantly, Huijsen himself has not made a final decision, and discussions with interested clubs are ongoing.

“The reality is Dean Huijsen has not made a decision yet. He is speaking to all these clubs… so Bournemouth are not involved.”

Photo: IMAGO

Why Huijsen Would Fit at Anfield

Liverpool’s need for defensive depth is no secret. Virgil van Dijk, although still world-class, isn’t getting younger. Ibrahima Konaté has had persistent fitness issues, and while Jarell Quansah has emerged as a surprise package, he remains in the early stages of his development.

Huijsen, with his composure on the ball, intelligent positioning, and elite reading of the game, would provide Arne Slot with a long-term solution. His tactical versatility and experience playing in both Italy and the Premier League make him an ideal modern defender for a high-line system.

With Romano confirming that “Liverpool will be there,” the onus may now be on Liverpool to move quickly and decisively before Chelsea or Arsenal win the race.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

For Liverpool fans, this pursuit signals a welcome return to forward-thinking recruitment. Dean Huijsen isn’t just a promising young defender—he’s a player tailor-made for the kind of football Arne Slot is expected to implement. Calm under pressure, technically gifted, and tactically mature well beyond his years, he could easily become a cornerstone of Liverpool’s backline for a decade.

Supporters will appreciate that this isn’t a reactive move. The fact Liverpool’s interest was already genuine as far back as January, as Fabrizio Romano notes, shows that the club’s scouting department is operating proactively rather than chasing headlines.

Yes, £50 million is a significant investment, but in the current market, it’s a price tag that reflects Huijsen’s potential. Given Liverpool’s historical success with calculated, data-led transfers—see Diogo Jota, Luis Díaz, and Dominik Szoboszlai—it’s easy to trust the process.

In short: if the Reds land Huijsen, it won’t just be a signing for now—it’ll be a statement for the future.