Liverpool Target Bournemouth Star as David Ornstein Confirms £50m Release Clause | OneFootball

Liverpool Turn to Dean Huijsen as Summer Plans Intensify

Liverpool’s recruitment structure may have changed, but their transfer vision remains as meticulous as ever. As summer approaches, defensive reinforcements appear high on the club’s agenda — and the name rising to the top of the list is Dean Huijsen.

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Liverpool are one of several Premier League clubs monitoring Huijsen closely, with the 20-year-old Bournemouth centre-back understood to have a £50 million release clause in his contract.

Huijsen’s Rise and the £50m Reality

Huijsen’s journey from Juventus to Bournemouth for £12 million in 2024 already looks like one of the smartest pieces of business in recent windows. In his debut Premier League campaign, he has impressed with composure and maturity far beyond his years, forming a strong partnership with Illia Zabarnyi at the heart of the Cherries’ defence.

His contribution has not gone unnoticed. Bournemouth boast the fourth-best home defensive record in the league, with Huijsen chipping in with two goals and an assist across 26 appearances. It is this balance of defensive assurance and attacking threat that has clubs circling.

Photo: IMAGO

“We’ll begin with Dean Huijsen, there’s a £50m release clause in his contract,” David Ornstein told NBC Sports. “He’s the subject of huge interest from the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Newcastle United and Tottenham… The player and Bournemouth want this done and dusted relatively quickly, he’s expected to be a departure.”

Defensive Planning and Konate’s Future

Liverpool’s interest in Huijsen is not purely opportunistic. It reflects ongoing concerns around the long-term composition of the backline. While Virgil van Dijk remains a towering presence and Jarell Quansah has emerged as a reliable squad option, Ibrahima Konaté’s future is less certain.

The French defender’s contract runs out next summer, and his wage demands—reportedly over £200,000 per week—are causing hesitation within the club. Should that stalemate continue, Liverpool may be forced to sell or allow him to run down his deal, making a move for a rising prospect like Huijsen both sensible and strategic.

Huijsen, a Spanish international, has the physicality, positional sense and temperament to step into a big-club environment. While Real Madrid have also shown interest, it is Liverpool’s clarity of project and history of developing young talent that could prove decisive.

Bournemouth’s Model and Iraola’s Challenge

Bournemouth’s transfer strategy is to buy smart, develop well, and sell at a profit — and in Huijsen, they may have struck gold. His rapid valuation increase from £12 million to £50 million in 12 months is testament to their scouting and player development model.

Photo IMAGO

Manager Andoni Iraola remains focused on the here and now. Asked about the speculation before the Fulham match, he said: “My only concern with Dean is he keeps his focus here. I see he trains very well. He’s very focused on improving individually and improving us as a team collectively.”

He added, “No, I don’t think the noise around is affecting him. I see him in a good place.”

That composure in the face of transfer noise will only strengthen Huijsen’s appeal to clubs like Liverpool, who value mentality as much as ability.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

For Liverpool fans, Huijsen feels like a logical next step. This is not just about youth or resale value; it’s about succession planning. With Robertson ageing, Konaté’s future uncertain, and Joe Gomez increasingly used in rotation, a high-ceiling defender like Huijsen could be a cornerstone for Arne Slot’s system.

Supporters want the club to avoid reactionary transfers. Instead, Huijsen fits the mould of a pre-emptive signing — one that strengthens the squad and safeguards the future. His technical skill, aerial strength, and calm under pressure echo early signs seen in Van Dijk before his leap to world-class.

And while £50 million is no small fee, Liverpool have proved time and again that spending wisely often matters more than spending big. If Huijsen is the next pillar of a rebuilt defence, fans will back the move with excitement and anticipation.