Andoni Iraola, confirmed as the incoming Liverpool head coach following the dismissal of Arne Slot last weekend, is wasting no time in reshaping the squad. According to a report from Fichajes, Iraola has identified former Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen as his primary defensive target — a move that would require a significant raid on Real Madrid.

The Konate-shaped hole

Liverpool's defensive crisis deepened considerably when Ibrahima Konate followed Mohamed Salah and Andrew Robertson through the exit door at the end of the 2025/26 season. All three departed on free transfers when their contracts expired, leaving a squad that already spent heavily looking increasingly threadbare at the back.

The club had committed around £300 million to attacking reinforcements — Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, and Alexander Isak — following their 2025 Premier League title triumph. The defensive end of the pitch now represents an urgent priority for the new manager.

Huijsen: the familiar face Iraola wants

Iraola worked with Huijsen at Bournemouth before the 21-year-old completed a move to Real Madrid last summer, and the Spaniard is understood to value him highly. His debut season in LaLiga proved difficult, and the wider turbulence at the Bernabéu — internal feuds and an impending presidential election — could create an opening for Liverpool.

The fee being discussed stands at €70 million, which would hand Real Madrid a profit of close to €10 million on a player they signed less than a year ago. Los Blancos are reluctant to sell, but the pressure of a potential third consecutive trophy-less campaign may force their hand.

Financial question marks remain

Liverpool's transfer budget heading into the 2026/27 season is not yet clear. With Virgil van Dijk's era nearing its end and Jeremy Jacquet arriving from Rennes as one defensive addition, a second quality centre-back ranks among the club's most pressing summer needs.

Huijsen's own preferences will be central to any deal, and should Real Madrid choose to hold out for a higher valuation at a future date, Iraola's plans could be complicated before they have even properly begun.