Liverpool make Serie A ‘sensation’ their ‘top’ CB target as Van Dijk sale ‘demand’ emerges

Liverpool have reportedly identified Juventus youngster Dean Huijsen as their ‘top target’ this summer but they face competition from Aston Villa.

The Reds are yet to make a signing during this summer’s transfer window but is widely known that one of their priorities will be to sign a new centre-back.

Liverpool ramp up their search for a new centre-back…

A new signing is required in this department following Joel Matip’s exit upon the expiry of his contract last month. They also need to secure their future by signing a long-term successor for 33-year-old Virgil van Dijk .

Liverpool were linked with 18-year-old Leny Yoro before he joined Manchester United, while Sporting Lisbon’s Goncalo Inacio is another player who has been consistently linked with the club in recent months.

However, according to a report from Football Insider , Liverpool are looking to sign Huijsen from Serie A giants Juventus.

The 19-year-old left Spanish outfit Malaga to join Juventus in 2021 and made his senior debut for the Italian side in October 2023.

Huijsen gained experience elsewhere during the 2023/24 as he made 14 appearances across all competitions while on loan with Serie A rivals AS Roma.

The teenager has very little experience in senior football, ‘sources say Huijsen is seen as “one for the future” by Liverpool and Aston Villa’.

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The report explains: ‘Liverpool and Aston Villa are both keen on a summer deal for Juventus centre-back Dean Huijsen, sources have told Football Insider.

‘The 19-year-old is a long-term target for both clubs and they are now weighing up a move for the sensation.

‘The Spain Under-21 international is under a long-term contract at Juventus running until June 2028 after penning a new deal last summer (2023).

‘Liverpool and Aston Villa are ready to bolster their defensive options in this summer window and have identified Huijsen as a top target.’

It’s also been suggested that Van Dijk could leave Liverpool as he has entered the final year of his contract at Anfield.

He has been linked with Saudi Pro League clubs of late and our pals over at TEAMtalk are of the understanding that ‘PIF plans to explore a new transfer tactic to get the Dutchman’ after Liverpool made a ‘demand’.

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The report adds.

‘The parties talked about the negotiation room for a possible transfer this summer. No decision was made on that occasion, but Van Dijk doesn’t turn down the possibility of joining the Saudi Pro League and has given the green light to the Saudi negotiator to start talking with Liverpool.

‘The English club was approached by the PIF and the first request made – in terms of offer – to evaluate Virgil’s possible farewell was around €55 million (£46.3m).

‘That figure is currently considered too high by the Saudi negotiator, who has made it known that they want to take a few days to internally evaluate their possible next actions.

‘However, this request deemed too high could seriously jeopardise the negotiation, with the PIF ready to withdraw from the talks for Van Dijk if the cost doesn’t drop drastically.

‘An alternative that is gaining ground in the last few hours is that the Saudi negotiator, given that Virgil’s contract expires in 2025 (and talks related to his renewal are stalled) could wait until January, trying to get him to sign a pre-contract so he can move as a free agent at the end of the 2024-25 season.’