Fabrizio Romano Reveals Arne Slot is Ready to Sell Liverpool Defender with £50m Replacement Already Lined Up | OneFootball

Liverpool Prepare to Land Dean Huijsen as Quansah Eyes Exit — Romano Names Newcastle as Favourites

Liverpool are closing in on the signature of highly-rated centre-back Dean Huijsen, with the club growing increasingly confident of sealing the deal this summer. The 19-year-old Dutch international has impressed during his stint at Bournemouth, and his performance in their 1-0 win over Fulham on Monday Night Football seems to have accelerated talks between the clubs.

As reported earlier this week, a double swoop involving Huijsen and left-back Milos Kerkez could cost the Reds up to £95m. Arne Slot, in his first season at Anfield, has made a remarkable impact, guiding Liverpool within touching distance of the Premier League title. With only two wins needed to secure the crown after their win over West Ham and Arsenal’s slip-up against Brentford, the focus is gradually turning to squad building for next season.

Despite making only one major addition in Federico Chiesa, Slot’s transformation of Liverpool’s tactical identity has earned him significant praise. However, with ambitions to build a side in his own image, this summer promises to be one of calculated but ambitious spending — and Huijsen is expected to be a cornerstone of that vision.

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Jarell Quansah Set for Summer Exit

The arrival of Huijsen is set to have direct consequences for one of Liverpool’s homegrown stars. Jarell Quansah, who has made 56 appearances for the first team since breaking through in the 2023/24 campaign, appears poised for a move away from Anfield.

Fabrizio Romano, speaking on his Here We Go podcast, has revealed that Newcastle United are leading the race for the 22-year-old defender.

“I’ll keep an eye on Jarell Quansah because he is very good and very talented,” Romano explained. “But, I think, sometimes you want to play.”

Photo: IMAGO

He went on to highlight the crowded competition in Liverpool’s defensive ranks:

“So you have Virgil van Dijk and the [new] contract. Ibrahima Konate is still there. There is interest in Dean Huijsen. Liverpool have many players in that position.”

Romano confirmed that alongside Newcastle, there is “also interest from the Bundesliga,” with Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen both reportedly monitoring the situation. Inter Milan are also believed to be weighing up a move as they seek reinforcements at the back.

Slot’s Tactical Demands May Spell End for Quansah

Slot’s decision-making has shown a clear preference for defenders comfortable on the ball and adept at building from the back. That, more than anything, could be the decisive factor in Quansah’s expected departure.

Speaking after leaving Quansah out of the starting XI for the Merseyside derby, Slot shared:

“Jarell did quite OK in that position, to be fair, and he would have helped us with set-pieces. But I felt – we felt – that we had to play better with the ball.”

Photo: IMAGO

The message is clear: while Quansah has rarely let the side down, he may not fit the tactical profile required for Slot’s evolving system. Liverpool are thought to be seeking between £35m and £50m for the Warrington-born defender.

Transfer Activity Heating Up Across the Pitch

Liverpool’s summer transfer plans don’t end with Huijsen and Kerkez. Sources indicate that the club are now pressing ahead with moves for the highly-rated Ajax defender, Jorell Hato, a player long on Arsenal’s radar. With the Gunners reportedly rattled by Liverpool’s late push, a bidding war could ensue.

In attack, the Reds are prepared to spend big to support Mohamed Salah, who will remain at the club. Reports from Spain suggest that Liverpool are ready to table a €150m (£130.1m) offer for a marquee forward to complement their Egyptian star.

Furthermore, the club are in the mix for Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma, with the Seagulls ready to cash in on the Japan international. Liverpool are also keeping tabs on a top Italian midfielder, though Manchester City are expected to be strong rivals for his signature.

As things stand, Liverpool’s recruitment drive under Slot looks set to shift gears, with the Huijsen deal likely to be the first of several statements of intent as they prepare for life after Klopp — and possibly life as English champions.