Liverpool sent Alexander Isak transfer ‘disappointing’ warning as title prediction made

Liverpool are in a race against time and against some of Europe’s biggest clubs to secure the signing of one of the most talked-about young defenders in world football right now, Dean Huijsen, the 19-year-old Dutch-born centre-back who has already been described by scouts as “one of the most promising young defenders in Europe” and whose name is quickly becoming a major talking point among Liverpool fans, football experts, and rival clubs. The story surrounding Huijsen’s future has been developing for months, but in the last few days, the pace has quickened, the competition has intensified, and the sense of urgency inside Liverpool’s recruitment team has reached a whole new level. This is no longer just a case of monitoring a talented player — this is now a serious transfer chase, one where Liverpool believe they can win if they move decisively, but also one where any hesitation could see another club swoop in and snatch the prize away. The timing could not be more important, because the summer transfer window clock is ticking down and Liverpool still need to bring in a centre-back who can not only strengthen their squad immediately but also become a pillar of the defence for the next decade.

Huijsen’s name might not yet be as famous as Virgil van Dijk’s was when he arrived at Liverpool, but within scouting circles his reputation is already enormous. Standing at 6ft 5in tall, with a natural calmness on the ball and the kind of passing range you normally associate with top-class midfielders, he has a playing style that feels tailor-made for modern football. He was born in Amsterdam but moved to Spain at a young age, where his football development took shape in a way that gave him both Dutch tactical intelligence and Spanish technical quality — a combination that is rare and extremely valuable. He joined Juventus as a teenager and quickly rose through their ranks, impressing with his maturity, leadership qualities, and ability to read the game. Last season, Juventus decided to loan him to AS Roma in Serie A, where he played under Daniele De Rossi and handled the pressure of a big club with remarkable composure. His performances caught the eye not only in Italy but across Europe, and now several top clubs are circling

Liverpool’s interest in Huijsen is not new. They have been tracking him for a long time, but back then the plan was more about long-term monitoring rather than immediate action. That changed this summer when Liverpool’s defensive situation became more complicated. Joel Matip left the club after his contract expired, leaving a gap in central defence. Virgil van Dijk is still at the top of his game but will turn 34 in the next two years, and while Ibrahima Konaté is a world-class defender when fit, his injury record has been a concern. Youngster Jarell Quansah made huge progress last season, but relying solely on him to step up in every high-pressure game could be risky. The message from new head coach Arne Slot and the recruitment department has been clear — Liverpool need another young but ready-to-play centre-back who can learn alongside Van Dijk and Konaté but also be trusted to start big matches if necessary. In their eyes, Huijsen fits that description perfectly.

But of course, Liverpool are not alone in this thinking. Several other clubs have been linked to Huijsen in recent weeks, with reports suggesting that Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, and even Paris Saint-Germain have all made enquiries. In Spain, Atletico Madrid have shown interest, while in Italy, Roma are keen to keep him after his loan spell, although their financial situation might make it difficult to outbid richer clubs. Even Premier League rivals have been keeping tabs, with Arsenal and Manchester United both reportedly aware of his availability. That’s why Liverpool know they cannot afford to hesitate. The good news for Liverpool is that Huijsen himself is believed to be open to moving to the Premier League, and sources close to the player have suggested that he admires the way Liverpool develop young talents and give them opportunities to shine on the biggest stage.

Juventus, however, hold the cards for now. They value Huijsen highly and are in no rush to sell unless the right offer comes in. Reports in Italy suggest they would be willing to negotiate at around €30m to €35m, which is not an outrageous figure for a player of his potential, but it is still a significant investment for a teenager. Liverpool’s recruitment model under FSG has always been about value — they do not like overpaying for unproven players — but they also know that sometimes you have to strike early to secure a long-term asset. In Huijsen’s case, the upside is huge. If he continues on his current trajectory, €35m could look like a bargain in a few years.

Inside Liverpool, there is a sense that the timing of this move could be perfect. Huijsen is young enough to be moulded into exactly the type of defender Arne Slot wants for his system. Slot’s style of play relies heavily on defenders who are comfortable in possession, able to step into midfield when needed, and confident under pressure. Huijsen’s ability to play accurate passes between the lines, switch play with long diagonals, and carry the ball forward fits that profile perfectly. His height also makes him a major threat on set pieces, something Liverpool have always valued. Imagine a defensive pairing of Van Dijk and Huijsen in the short term, with the Dutch legend mentoring his young compatriot. For Liverpool fans, that image alone is enough to get excited about the deal.

There is also a strategic angle to this. Signing Huijsen now would not only strengthen Liverpool but also deny him to potential rivals. If Arsenal or Manchester United were to sign him, Liverpool could be facing him for the next ten years in the Premier League. If Bayern or PSG were to secure him, his price could skyrocket after a few seasons of Champions League football. Liverpool have been burned before by waiting too long on certain targets, only to see them join other clubs and become stars. This time, they appear determined not to make the same mistake.

The challenge, as always, will be convincing the player and the selling club. Huijsen will want guarantees about playing time, and while Liverpool cannot promise him a starting spot every week right now, they can point to their track record of integrating young players into the team. From Trent Alexander-Arnold to Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, and Jarell Quansah, Liverpool have shown that if you’re good enough, you play. Arne Slot’s arrival also brings a fresh start for everyone in the squad, meaning competition for places will be open and fair. As for Juventus, Liverpool might need to be creative in structuring a deal — perhaps with add-ons based on appearances or achievements — to make the transfer financially attractive.

Behind the scenes, negotiations in transfers like this are rarely straightforward. Agents, intermediaries, and club officials all play a role, and timing is everything. If Liverpool push too hard too soon, they risk driving up the price. If they wait too long, another club could finalise a deal. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether Liverpool make a formal offer and open official talks, or whether they risk losing out. What makes this situation even more fascinating is that Liverpool’s fanbase is already buzzing with speculation, with social media posts and fan forums filled with debates about Huijsen’s strengths, weaknesses, and potential impact. Some fans are already imagining him wearing the famous red shirt, while others are cautious, pointing out that the Premier League is a huge step up from Serie A and that Liverpool need proven quality right now.

But football history is full of examples where clubs took a chance on young players and reaped massive rewards. When Liverpool signed a 24-year-old Virgil van Dijk from Southampton for £75m in 2018, there were doubters who thought the fee was too high. Today, no one questions it. In Huijsen’s case, the risk is smaller in terms of fee, and the potential upside is arguably even greater because of his age. If he develops as expected, Liverpool could have a world-class centre-back for the next decade, someone who could anchor their defence long after Van Dijk has retired.

For Arne Slot, making a signing like Huijsen early in his Liverpool career could also send a powerful message — that he is planning not just for the present season but for the future of the club. Slot knows that to compete with Manchester City, Arsenal, and Europe’s elite, Liverpool must have both experience and youthful energy in every position. Bringing in a player like Huijsen would be a statement of intent, showing that Liverpool are not content to simply maintain their current level but are actively building towards the next era of success.

The coming days and weeks will reveal whether Liverpool’s interest turns into a concrete bid. But one thing is certain: the battle for Dean Huijsen’s signature is heating up, and Liverpool are in a strong position to win it if they act decisively. The pieces are in place — a clear need in the squad, a player who fits the profile perfectly, and a club with the resources and ambition to make it happen. All that remains is for Liverpool to take the final step and bring him to Anfield.

And if they do, it could be one of those transfers that fans look back on years later as a turning point — the moment when Liverpool secured not just a talented defender, but a future leader, a player who could define the club’s defensive strength for a generation. The kind of signing that, in hindsight, feels inevitable, but in reality took vision, courage, and perfect timing. The type of deal that can shape a club’s destiny.

For now, Dean Huijsen remains a Juventus player, but the story is far from over. In fact, it might just be beginning.p