.jpg)
2 hours ago
1
Liverpool boss Arne Slot is preparing to make changes to his squad ahead of the 2025/26 season.
After sealing the 2024/25 Premier League title in his debut campaign at Anfield, the Dutch coach is already looking forward to defending his crown, with some fresh faces on route.
Key duo Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah have committed their respective futures to the club until 2027 as defender Trent Alexander-Arnold prepares to join Real Madrid on a free transfer.
Replacing Alexander-Arnold is one of the tasks on Slot's to-do list but he's also looking to bolster other positions in his ranks.
Van Dijk's hint that targets on the horizon convinced him to sign a renewal continue to swirl around the transfer rumour mill and he could land a new center-back partner.
Liverpool are preparing showdown contract talks with Ibrahima Konate next month, with his current deal expiring in 2026, and that could propel their interest in Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Dean Huijsen's Bournemouth release clause, contract, transfer value
Huijsen has enjoyed a strong first season with the Cherries with Andoni Iraola's side still in the race for potential European qualification.
After making his senior Spain debut at the start of 2025, speculation has rocketed over the 20-year-old leaving the Vitality Stadium in the coming months, with Real Madrid also on his tail.
Huijsen has openly admitted his awareness of links to Los Blancos and hinted at his interest in a future move to the Spanish capital.
However, the ongoing upheaval in Madrid could complicate matters, as Xabi Alonso prepares to replace Carlo Ancelotti at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.
As per reports from Fabrizio Romano, that could play to Liverpool's advantage, with a stay in the Premier League looking more likely at this stage.
Liverpool and other EPL sides are willing to activate Huijsen's £50m ($67m) with greater rapidity than Real Madrid, with reports from the Daily Mirror hinting the fee can be paid across three instalments.
The race remains open, and speed could be the key for Slot as Real Madrid get organised under Alonso.
English (US)