Huijsen and Guéhi Emerge as Defensive Targets for Liverpool Recruitment | OneFootball

Liverpool Assess Centre-Back Options: Dean Huijsen and Marc Guéhi Under Review

Defensive Depth Under the Spotlight

As Liverpool prepare for a summer of significant squad transition under Arne Slot, one area that demands strategic attention is the heart of defence. On The Transfer Show, Dave Davis revealed that two prominent centre-backs — Dean Huijsen and Marc Guéhi — are being monitored closely by the club’s recruitment team.

The context is clear: with speculation swirling around the futures of Joe Gomez, Jarell Quansah, and even Ibrahima Konaté, Liverpool’s depth at centre-half could be tested. Davis was clear about the shift in tone compared to previous months. “This is not just pure fanciful nonsense… It’s really starting to feel there’s something to this,” he said in reference to the growing interest in both Huijsen and Guéhi.

Dean Huijsen: Raw Talent with High Ceiling

Huijsen, currently at Bournemouth, has emerged as one of the brightest young defensive talents in Europe.

“Liverpool like this kid,” Davis confirmed. “We never know for definite if they’re going to move, but very much on the radar.” At 19 years old, Huijsen’s, height, and ball-playing ability make him a modern prototype for the role. The £50 million release clause might seem steep, but Davis noted, “Clubs are well briefed on it.”

However, there’s a catch. “Papa Huijsen’s an interesting one,” Davis added, referencing the player’s father. “He retweets quite a bit of articles that link Dean to Real Madrid… and his idol is Sergio Ramos.” Those details may suggest a preference for Spain, but Liverpool’s interest appears real and persistent.

Marc Guéhi: Premier League Proven, Homegrown Advantage

While Huijsen represents potential, Marc Guéhi offers Premier League consistency and homegrown status — a valuable commodity post-Brexit. The Crystal Palace centre-back has been on Liverpool’s radar before, but the chatter has grown louder in recent weeks.

Photo: IMAGO

“Liverpool have asked again about Marc Guéhi,” said Davis. “He has a year left to go on his deal… Palace have got money from sales but they’ll also know if they don’t get a fee for him now, they’re not going to get a fee at all.”

The 24-year-old England international is admired for his composure, positional sense, and leadership qualities. For a Liverpool squad navigating generational change, Guéhi could offer both quality and reliability. As Davis pointed out, “He fits that homegrown quota and you’d imagine he’d settle quickly.”

Preparing for Possibility, Not Panic

While no deal for either player is imminent, the fact that Liverpool are actively reviewing both profiles signals intent. This isn’t about stockpiling — it’s about preparing for the potential exits of current squad members.

As Davis noted: “For the likes of Quansah going, for the likes of Gomez going… these are the names that we have got.” And those names — Dean Huijsen and Marc Guéhi — present two very different types of investment: one long-term, high-upside project; the other a Premier League-ready solution with a strong resale curve.

The key for Liverpool will be timing — and trust in the revived Edwards-led recruitment structure. Whether Huijsen, Guéhi, or another name ultimately arrives, one thing is certain: central defence is no longer an afterthought at Anfield.