Liverpool get green light for Dutch centre-back deal after Arne Slot's special request | OneFootball

Liverpool’s transfer priority in 2026 is thought to include an eventual replacement for Virgil van Dijk.

The captain, 34, is out of contract in 2027 - with it reckoned that Richard Hughes will sign a long-term successor while Van Dijk is still at the club.

Shop the LFC Store

🚨2025/26 LFC x adidas range🚨

LFC x adidas

Shop the home range today!

LFC x adidas

Shop the goalkeeper range today

LFC x adidas Third Kit

Shop the third kit range today!

This approach would allow a new arrival to learn from the considerable talents of Van Dijk and create a less pressurised environment for an eventual takeover.

🔴

We’ve seen plenty of centre-back names linked in recent weeks. Not only is Marc Guehi of interest to Liverpool - with the club narrowly missing out on signing the Crystal Palace captain on deadline day - but several new names are now appearing on the list.

Liverpool linked with several new centre-back names

Micky van de Ven and Jan Paul van Hecke - two established Dutch internationals are reported to be of interest.

And further down the age categories are other potential Netherlands’ stars of the future. There have been extensive links to Ajax’s Aaron Bouwman and last week it emerged that the Reds were tracking his 22-year-old club mate Youri Baas.

Recently part of Ronald Koeman’s senior international squad, Baas is a left-footed centre-back under contract with his boyhood club until 2028.

He has emerged as a key player under John Heitinga in Amsterdam and the 6’0 defender looks set to take the next step in his career.

Liverpool are favourites for Youri Baas

Liverpool will be right there for Baas - although Real Madrid are tipped to provide stiff competition.

But Liverpool will fancy their chances - as a new report in Fichajes claims that the Premier League champions are now FAVOURITES to land Baas from Ajax owing to a personal insistence on the part of Arne Slot.

🔗 Instagram

Arne Slot requests Youri Baas

“Liverpool has established itself as one of the strongest rivals in this race and could have the advantage thanks to its manager's insistence,” a report reads.

“Current Anfield manager Arne Slot has made a direct request for Youri Baas.

“The Dutch manager knows the player well and believes his style would be perfectly suited to the demanding pace of the Premier League.”

Liverpool are due a centre-back shake-up. Not only will Van Dijk need a successor in the next couple of seasons, but the futures of Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate are also uncertain.

So Liverpool will need to bulk up their numbers with top-quality centre-backs who can reign on Merseyside in the years ahead. With Arne Slot’s approval, it looks like Youri Baas may well fit the bill.