Liverpool Lead Race for “the Most in Demand CB in the World”, Imagine Him & Van Dijk
Liverpool are poised to claim the Premier League title this season – and potentially as early as this month.
Arne Slot is set to lift the trophy in his debut campaign as first-team manager, with Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk expected to hoist it for the second time in their careers. Both players will enter the new season having signed eagerly awaited contract extensions, positioning themselves to help defend the title.
Although Trent Alexander-Arnold appears to be just a month away from concluding his Liverpool career, FSG will take great satisfaction in securing the futures of two of the club’s most iconic figures as they prepare for Slot’s second year in charge.
The Reds aim not only to defend their Premier League crown but to challenge seriously for the other major honours that narrowly eluded them this year.
While fresh arrivals are anticipated in the summer transfer window, the renewal of the captain’s contract stands out as a significant move, warranting detailed attention.
Van Dijk’s new agreement will keep him at the heart of Slot’s side for another two seasons, during which he will earn approximately £400,000 per week.
The 33-year-old had always intended to remain with the club, although negotiations were unusually prolonged. Despite receiving interest from several quarters – including some of the most financially powerful teams in the Saudi Pro League – Van Dijk made it clear that his loyalty lies with Liverpool. He was assured by FSG of both strategic investment and a project with genuine potential for silverware in the years to come.
He is set to be remembered as one of the defining centre-backs of his generation – if not the defining figure – thanks to his commanding and influential presence in Liverpool’s defence.
With Alexander-Arnold seemingly Madrid-bound and Robertson potentially facing replacement this summer, Van Dijk could solidify his legacy at Anfield by amassing a remarkable number of appearances, surpassed only by Salah and Jordan Henderson since the Klopp era commenced.
| Most Liverpool Appearances – Current Squad | ||
|---|---|---|
| # | Player | Appearances |
| 1. | Mohamed Salah | 395 |
| 2. | Trent Alexander-Arnold | 349 |
| 3. | Andy Robertson | 339 |
| 4. | Virgil van Dijk | 314 |
| 5. | Alisson Becker | 292 |
| Data via Transfermarkt | ||
He is undoubtedly a true legend and will be remembered as one of the greatest players in Liverpool’s illustrious history. While Van Dijk’s journey is far from over, it would be wise for FSG to begin planning for the future by securing a new defensive talent who can develop under his guidance in the coming years.
This would allow for a smooth transition before the Dutchman eventually steps aside.
Liverpool Chasing Van Dijk
Van Dijk may be staying for now, but with age no longer on his side, Liverpool must begin planning for his eventual successor. Targeting Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen this summer would be a smart step in that direction.
The young Spanish international has been in impressive form since his move from Juventus to the south coast, and according to Chelsea insider Simon Phillips, he now sits high on Liverpool’s list of transfer priorities.
Chelsea have already approached the 20-year-old’s representatives, but it is FSG who currently appear to be in the strongest position, having engaged in talks with the player’s camp over the past few weeks.
Interest in Huijsen is widespread, and it’s no surprise given his outstanding performances under Andoni Iraola this season. With a £50 million release clause expected to be triggered, a summer move looks increasingly likely.
Why Liverpool are Desperate for Dean Huijsen
Huijsen may be young with limited professional experience, but his performances in recent years—first with Roma on loan and now at Bournemouth—already suggest that he has the makings of a future superstar.
Born in the Netherlands, Huijsen spent much of his formative football years in Spain before making the switch from Malaga’s youth ranks to Juventus’ academy at the age of 16.
Though he showed real promise in Italy, Juventus chose to part ways with him, likely motivated by financial needs, selling him to Bournemouth last summer for a fee of £15 million.
Since arriving in England, Huijsen has thrived. One analyst has already described him as a “world-class” talent in the making. His standout displays for Bournemouth have caught the eye of numerous top-tier clubs as the transfer window approaches.
According to data from FBref, Huijsen ranks in the top 15% of Premier League defenders for goal involvements, the top 7% for shot-creating actions, the top 3% for both interceptions and clearances, and the top 20% for aerial duels won per 90 minutes.
He could provide an ideal counterpoint to Van Dijk in the Dutch national team in the near future, eventually stepping up to inherit the captain’s role in the years ahead.
| Premier League 24/25 – Van Dijk vs Huijsen | ||
|---|---|---|
| Stats (* per game) | Van Dijk | Huijsen |
| Matches (starts) | 32 (32) | 26 (21) |
| Goals | 2 | 2 |
| Assists | 1 | 1 |
| Clean sheets | 13 | 6 |
| Touches* | 89.4 | 60.5 |
| Pass completion | 92% | 84% |
| Ball recoveries* | 3.2 | 3.4 |
| Tackles + interceptions* | 2.7 | 3.0 |
| Clearances* | 5.2 | 5.8 |
| Duels (won)* | 4.7 (67%) | 3.9 (56%) |
| Stats: Sofascore | ||
It’s also important to highlight that Huijsen is a two-footed central defender who has spent this season operating on the left side of the pitch, adding further weight to the case for Liverpool to make him a top target in the upcoming transfer window.
While Huijsen may not possess the same physical dominance in duels, he does exhibit many of the technical and defensive traits seen in Liverpool’s captain. A move to Anfield, rather than a rival like Chelsea, could provide the perfect environment for him to reach his full potential.
Another significant factor is the situation surrounding Ibrahima Konate’s contract with Liverpool.
Konate has formed a strong partnership with Van Dijk throughout the season, but with just one year left on his deal and talks over an extension dragging on, his future remains uncertain.
Liverpool will be reluctant to lose the French defender for nothing, which might prompt them to consider selling him this summer. This scenario could be appealing to Huijsen, who would then have a real opportunity to step in as Van Dijk’s new long-term partner at the heart of the defence.
Football analyst Ben Mattinson has described Huijsen as “the most in-demand centre-back in the world,” and Liverpool currently leading the chase is a strong indicator of their intent and planning ahead.
With a pivotal summer on the horizon, bringing Huijsen into an already solid backline could give Liverpool the extra edge they need to push for even greater success next season.
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