Who is Dean Huijsen? Liverpool transfer 'target' hailed as generational by Jose Mourinho

Liverpool is still holding fire on its first transfer of the Arne Slot era. One player who has been linked with a move is Juventus center-back Dean Huijsen .

There is a feeling that Liverpool may want to strengthen in defensive areas. Slot has reportedly been impressed by Sepp van den Berg , and will not want to block Jarell Quansah's rapid rise, but the club did take an interest in Leny Yoro — although the ECHO insists that move was explored in isolation, rather than as part of a targeted recruitment drive in the back line.

Even so, with Virgil van Dijk 33 and Joel Matip gone, Slot would risk being left a little light without any recruitment. At 19, Huijsen would tick the box as one for the future, albeit with the potential to contribute right away.

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Football Insider claims that Liverpool and Aston Villa are racing to sign Huijsen from Juventus. He is a "long-term target" for both clubs.

But he will have emerged onto the radar of many in the second portion of last season. Having been unable to break into the Juventus side, he was sent on loan to Roma, where then-manager Jose Mourinho gave him the big build-up upon his arrival :

"I think we all know who Huijsen is, he is an 18-year-old boy, who has 10 minutes of Serie A, but who is one of the highest quality prospects in European football at this age level," Mourinho said. "He will be a great player in the future."

Huijsen began to come good on that potential at Roma, at the very least earning some long-awaited exposure to senior football. But he was in and out of Mourinho's side, and now faces an uncertain future at Juventus.

Standing at 6"5, Huijsen has an impressive scoring record at youth level, and netted twice for Roma last season as well. Internationally, he represented the Netherlands up to U19 level, but has made an appearance for the Spain U21s — with that particular battle for his allegiance underpinning his high reputation in youth football circles.

Liverpool has reportedly made him a "top target". It's claimed that Matip's departure in particular has prompted the Reds to look at potential signings.

Liverpool.com says: In terms of stature within the game, if nothing else, Huijsen looks like the kind of player Liverpool should be targeting this summer. Having never been afforded guaranteed game time, the teenager would presumably be ready to come in as part of a rotation at Anfield , allowing him to play a meaningful part without unduly jeopardizing the pathway for Quansah and others.

Mourinho clearly rated him as one of the highest-potential players within his age group. And if he really is a "long-term" target at Liverpool, then the club must have reached a similar verdict. If the price was right, this would be an astute punt with high upside.