Advertisement

Arne Slot has telling chat with Liverpool summer transfer target in players' tunnel

-Credit: (Image: YouTube - Liverpool FC)
-Credit: (Image: YouTube - Liverpool FC)


Arne Slot was spotted chatting with Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen ahead of kick-off on Saturday just months after he was linked with a move to Anfield.

The 19-year-old was mooted to be one of several center-back targets for the Reds in the early stages of the transfer window as they searched for Joel Matip's replacement, targeting a young defender who could also become a long-term successor to Virgil van Dijk.

According to reports, Juventus teenager Huijsen fit the bill, with Liverpool also viewing him as an ideal alternative to Leny Yoro after he opted to join Manchester United from Lille in a big-money move.

Huijsen had impressed during his spell on loan at Roma during the second half of last season and attracted the attention of many of Europe's biggest clubs, including Liverpool, despite struggling to make a real breakthrough for Juventus.

As it turned out, Liverpool opted not to make a move for the youngster and he signed for Bournemouth instead, arriving on the south coast for $17million (£13m/€15m) on a six-year deal. However, it may not be the end of the road for both Liverpool and Huijsen just yet.

The club's latest matchday footage vlog captured Slot going up to the Spain Under-21 international before kick-off and embracing him with a hug in the players tunnel, exchanging a few words in front of the cameras before heading pitchside.

While its unknown whether any contact was made between Huijsen and Liverpool during the summer, Slot's comfortable approach towards the former Juventus player may have hinted that there were perhaps some conversations had between the two before the defender's move to Bournemouth.

Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch talking with Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen in the players tunnel -Credit:YouTube - Liverpool FC
Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch talking with Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen in the players tunnel -Credit:YouTube - Liverpool FC

There is, of course, the fact that Huijsen was born in the Netherlands and lived there until the age of five before his family moved to Spain, but his interaction with Slot appeared to be more than just two countrymen saying hello to one another.

What's more is that after the game, Huijsen was seeing speaking with Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch in the tunnel after the game, with the duo appearing deep in conversation about specific events from the match as they laughed and joked.

While Huijsen's interactions with both Slot and Gravenberch can be easily misinterpreted, there was certainly enough to suggest the youngster felt comfortable in his Anfield surroundings and could still yet move to Liverpool if he continues to impress at Bournemouth this season.