Liverpool Ramping Up Move to Sign “England’s Best CB”, He’s Even Better Than Dean Huijsen
One year ago, Liverpool faced an uncertain future. Jurgen Klopp had brought his time at the club to an end, departing after nearly nine years in charge.
His exit sent ripples of unease through Anfield and the surrounding Merseyside streets, but Klopp’s decision now appears well-judged. He had seen something others hadn’t when choosing to pass the torch to someone new.
That successor, Arne Slot, has more than justified the appointment. Rather than overhauling the squad, he built on Klopp’s foundations, guiding Liverpool to a Premier League title with a more refined approach. He kept the intensity but adjusted the tempo, resulting in a rhythm the players have followed with success throughout the season.
After several cautious transfer windows, Liverpool are now poised to make significant additions. Jeremie Frimpong has already joined the squad, while negotiations are progressing for his Bayer Leverkusen teammate Florian Wirtz and Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez.
Despite these reinforcements, none of them are central defenders. With Dean Huijsen slipping through their grasp, Liverpool still have work to do in bolstering their backline.
Liverpool’s Failed Bid for Dean Huijsen
Liverpool signalled their strong interest in Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen, 20, once it became apparent that his £50 million release clause would be triggered at the season’s end, attracting attention from several elite clubs.
Ultimately, Real Madrid secured his signature, with the Spain international making a swift decision to join the ranks at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Following such a standout season on the south coast, it’s a blow that FSG couldn’t finalise the deal. However, the player had clearly made up his mind.
With Jarell Quansah linked with a potential summer departure after featuring sparingly under Slot, landing Huijsen could have been a masterstroke—especially considering Quansah’s valuation also sits at around £50 million.
Regardless, with Ibrahima Konate—Liverpool’s last senior central defensive signing—entering the final year of his contract after arriving from RB Leipzig in 2021, it’s evident that a new addition is needed alongside Virgil van Dijk.
And it appears they may have found just that.
Liverpool Line Up Dean Huijsen Alternative
As reported by Football Insider, Liverpool are set to step up their pursuit of Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, following the player’s decision to rule out a move to Tottenham Hotspur this summer.
Newcastle remain contenders for his signature, having had four substantial offers rejected last year. They are now expected to return with renewed interest, according to The Telegraph, with the centre-back valued at £65 million.
With the FA Cup winner’s contract due to expire at the end of the 2025/26 season and no intention of signing an extension, Palace chairman Steve Parish is now under pressure to sell while the opportunity remains.
Why Marc Guehi Would Be Ideal for Liverpool
Marc Guehi recently savoured silverware after helping Crystal Palace defeat Manchester City in last month’s FA Cup final. While Tottenham may have ended their long wait for a trophy, Liverpool present a more consistent and competitive environment, with a squad built for sustained title challenges.
Since arriving from Chelsea in 2021, the 24-year-old has been a rock at the heart of Palace’s defence. Although he couldn’t quite bridge the gap from Cobham to Chelsea’s first team, Palace have reaped the rewards. As content creator HLTCO noted, Guehi is now seen as “the best centre-back” the club has had since their promotion 12 years ago.
Liverpool stand to gain significantly from his arrival, particularly if he can mirror Virgil van Dijk by operating as a right-footer on the left side of defence—a rare trait in today’s game. Football analyst Ben Mattinson has highlighted his versatility, describing him as “one of those versatile CBs who can play both sides equally as comfortably.” His outstanding performances at Euro 2024 have also seen him widely praised as “England’s best centre-back.”
While Dean Huijsen—naturally left-footed—was once in contention, he is no longer an option, and Guehi could prove to be the ideal alternative.
| Prem 24/25 – Marc Guehi vs Dean Huijsen | ||
|---|---|---|
| Stats (* per game) | Guehi | Huijsen |
| Matches (starts) | 34 (34) | 32 (26) |
| Goals | 3 | 3 |
| Assists | 2 | 2 |
| Clean sheets | 11 | 7 |
| Touches* | 64.9 | 63.9 |
| Pass completion | 84% | 84% |
| Key passes* | 0.5 | 0.5 |
| Ball recoveries* | 4.3 | 3.3 |
| Tackles + interceptions* | 2.6 | 2.7 |
| Clearances* | 4.6 | 6.1 |
| Duels (won)* | 4.9 (59%) | 3.6 (56%) |
| Errors made | 2 | 4 |
| Stats Source: Sofascore | ||
There’s a strong argument to suggest that Marc Guehi outperformed Dean Huijsen over the course of the season, despite the considerable attention surrounding the Bournemouth defender. Guehi appeared more solid in defensive situations—sharper, more assertive, and consistently reliable.
While Huijsen made a name for himself with his attacking contributions from the back, Guehi demonstrated a comparable, if not superior, offensive edge, proving himself capable at both ends of the pitch.
Josef Bursik, who once shared the England U21 stage with Guehi, has described him as a “tank” of a defender—well-rounded, physically dominant, and possessing an often overlooked technical finesse that could thrive in Arne Slot’s possession-based system.
Is Guehi the long-term answer for Liverpool? Possibly. While he may not possess the same flair or continental pedigree as Huijsen—whose strengths shine brightly in the modern centre-back mould—Guehi is nonetheless a complete and forward-thinking defender. He completed 86% of his dribbles in the Premier League this season, highlighting his composure and control.
Should Liverpool part ways with Jarell Quansah during the summer window, securing Guehi would be a logical step—adding another top-tier option capable of holding a key role in the seasons to come.
Even if a move for Quansah doesn’t materialise, the fact that FSG were prepared to invest heavily in Huijsen indicates there is both budget and intent. While Huijsen continues to develop, Guehi represents a more immediate, Premier League-proven option to bolster Liverpool’s defence.
And if Tottenham have indeed slipped back in the race to sign him, Liverpool would be wise to act swiftly—before Newcastle take the lead.
In other news, ‘I’m Stunned’: Gary Neville Simply Can’t Believe a Transfer Story He’s Heard Coming Out of Liverpool
