Liverpool 'ESCALATE' €60m defender pursuit after Van Dijk MELTDOWN

Tom Weber

Updated: 12 Mar 2025 18:15 GMT
4 min read

Virgil van Dijk — © IMAGO/FootballTransfers

Liverpool have stepped up their pursuit of Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen, according to a report.

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The Reds' stunning season suffered a real downer on Tuesday when they were eliminated from the Champions League by PSG. To make matters worse, captain Virgil van Dijk sent supporters into a frenzy after the match.

The Dutchman who, like Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, is out of contract in the summer, was spotted having a lengthy chat with PSG chiefs Nasser Al-Khelaifi and Luis Campos in the tunnel at Anfield.

His subsequent comments also did little to soothe the uneasy feeling that his interaction with the PSG bosses evoked. The feeling around Van Dijk's camp and Liverpool had been that he would extend his deal, but his statements suggest that he has yet to make a decision.

"I still have no idea at the moment. Genuinely," Van Dijk said. "At the moment I don't even know what will happen next year. If anyone says they do know, they are lying to your face.

"Everyone knows there are some conversations behind the scenes but that is about it. It is not on hold. Nothing is on hold. Listen, there are 10 games to go and that is my full focus. If there is news, you guys will know it. I don't even know myself."

Liverpool step up Huijsen chase

Even if Van Dijk were to stay, Liverpool would dip into the market to sign a new centre-back, but his actions and comments have increased the urgency with which sporting director Richard Huges is working behind the scenes.

According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool have stepped up their pursuit of Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen, who is enchanting the Premier League's elite with his impressive performances at just 19 years of age.

The Dutch-born Spanish international boasts a €60 million release clause and it seems that the Cherries will demand that this hefty sum be paid. They know that their key players are attracting attention and want to prevent a summer exodus.

Hughes' connection with Bournemouth could give Liverpool an edge over Huijsen's other suitors, but Chelsea, Tottenham and Bayern Munich will provide stiff competition.