Journalist: Liverpool Planning £95m Swoop to Outmanoeuvre Premier League Rivals | OneFootball

Liverpool’s £95m Defensive Ambition: Why This Summer’s Moves Matter More

Plotting Bold Moves in the Market

As Liverpool prepare for life beyond Jurgen Klopp, their recruitment strategy under Arne Slot is beginning to take shape—and it’s anything but conservative. With a potential £95 million double raid on Bournemouth in the works, the Reds are firmly positioning themselves for another reshuffle, this time at the back.

Dean Huijsen and Milos Kerkez are reportedly at the top of Liverpool’s wishlist, according to a report by Lewis Steele in the Daily Mail. The club’s decision-makers are moving quickly, aware of fierce competition for both players and keen to shore up a defence that’s seen its stability wobble in recent seasons.

This isn’t a speculative link—it’s calculated. The club recently held a high-level recruitment meeting and confirmed their intentions to be aggressive in the summer market. Up to five new faces could arrive at Anfield before the next season kicks off.

Centre-Back Revamp in Motion

Dean Huijsen, just 20, may be playing at Bournemouth now, but he’s already been linked with the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal, and even Real Madrid. Scouts admire his blend of “old-school defensive traits” and composure on the ball. He’s a rare hybrid: physical, smart, but modern in possession.

The Spain international, who previously represented the Netherlands at youth level, has a £50 million release clause. That hasn’t stopped clubs queuing up. Chelsea are believed to be leading the chase, but Liverpool remain firmly in the race.

Liverpool’s interest in Huijsen makes football sense. With Virgil van Dijk ageing, Ibrahima Konaté out of contract in 2026 and yet to agree an extension, and Joe Gomez attracting external interest, the spine of the defence is beginning to look fragile.

As Lewis Steele notes: “If Huijsen ends up elsewhere, it feels like this is the summer for Liverpool to upgrade the centre half department.” A potential fallback could be Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, but Huijsen clearly fits the profile Arne Slot wants—a player ready now, with years of growth ahead.

Why Kerkez Could Be the Key to Left Back Evolution

On the left, Milos Kerkez is the other name in the frame. At around £45 million, he’s not cheap—but the Hungarian full-back comes with pedigree and chemistry. He’s a close friend of Dominik Szoboszlai and has settled quickly into the Premier League.

Andy Robertson has been an outstanding servant, but at 31, Liverpool have to think about long-term succession. Kostas Tsimikas, while reliable in rotation, hasn’t nailed down a claim to the shirt. Kerkez, in contrast, could challenge from day one and push the level higher.

Arne Slot is reportedly eager to “upgrade that area of their defence”, and Kerkez ticks the boxes. He’s technically sharp, aggressive in duels, and already has top-flight experience.

Liverpool-Bournemouth Axis: Not a One-Way Street

While Liverpool look to bring in from Bournemouth, the Cherries have their eyes on several Reds players. With Profit and Sustainability rules in place, these won’t be straightforward swaps—but the potential for multiple deals exists.

Caoimhin Kelleher is the most likely to depart. With Giorgi Mamardashvili arriving this summer and Alisson firmly No 1, Kelleher is expected to push for first-team football elsewhere. Bournemouth are a strong candidate, especially with Kepa Arrizabalaga’s loan from Chelsea set to end.

Harvey Elliott and Ben Doak are also being monitored. Elliott’s return from injury hasn’t sparked the minutes he’d hoped for, and while Liverpool still value him, interest is growing. Doak, meanwhile, made an impression on loan at Middlesbrough and looks like one Liverpool may only sell for a high fee.

This could shape up to be one of those rare transfer windows where two clubs do significant business together, strengthening and rebuilding simultaneously.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

It’s hard not to get a little excited reading what Lewis Steele has reported. Two young, promising players with clear upside? Sounds like the sort of smart business we’ve done well with before. But there’s also caution here—because we’ve seen targets slip through our fingers when bigger financial packages are on offer elsewhere.

Dean Huijsen is the type of centre-back we should be signing now, not waiting for later. He’s composed, technically gifted, and already has experience in Serie A and the Premier League. If we hesitate, Chelsea or Real Madrid will swoop in. Simple as that.

Kerkez, too, feels like a forward-looking choice. Robertson’s given us everything, but his best years might be behind him. Having Kerkez push or even replace him could be the kind of competitive jolt our backline needs. Plus, the Szoboszlai link can’t hurt when it comes to settling in.

We’d love to see a striker come in too—especially if Nunez doesn’t rediscover his finishing. But defence must come first. With so many of our current centre-backs either unsettled or ageing, it’s crucial we sort that spine now. If we land Huijsen and Kerkez early, it would send a real message that Arne Slot means business.

Let’s just hope we don’t wait too long to act. These windows have a way of closing fast.