Liverpool have prioritised signing a centre-back this summer, and the club have faced some issues in pursuit of a top defender. The Merseyside giants have turned their attention towards signing a young centre-back from the Portuguese Primeira Liga.
Dean Huijsen has been Liverpool’s top target this summer, but their pursuit of the Bournemouth defender has become more complicated than anticipated.
His £50m release clause is not a problem, but Chelsea have offered him a much more lucrative contract, and are pushing to convince him to move to Stamford Bridge.
However, more alarmingly, Real Madrid believe they are in pole position to sign the Spaniard after holding talks with the player, and have offered him a big contract to move to Spain.
Liverpool have turned their attention towards an alternative.
Can you name the team Liverpool signed these players from?
The Reds pull off a Portuguese twist
With Huijsen looking Madrid-bound, Liverpool are now looking at alternatives, and according to Anfield Watch, Benfica’s Tomas Araujo has emerged as a top target.
The 22-year-old is considered a top talent in Portugal and recently made his debut for the national team on the back of his performances at Benfica.
Liverpool have been alerted to his talent and are pushing hard to secure a deal to take him to Anfield in the upcoming transfer window.
Ali Barat, who represents Dean Huijsen, is also Araujo’s agent, and Liverpool have already held talks with him about the Portuguese centre-back.
If Huijsen snubs Liverpool, the club are keen to ensure that they get their hands on Araujo, who is considered a top alternative to the Spaniard.
The Portuguese’s ability to play as a right-back also appeals to Arne Slot, who wants more multi-functional players in his squad.
Araujo has a £67m release clause in his Benfica contract.
