Liverpool’s transfer plans are starting to become clearer as they head into what is set to be a key summer for the club.

The Reds failed to get their business right back when they last won the Premier League in 2020 and will have to make sure lessons are learned this time around.

Five years ago, the biggest issue was undeniably the fact that Liverpool did not sign a centre-back when they desperately needed to.

After going into the season with just three senior options in the Liverpool squad, all three soon picked up season-ending injuries, leaving the Reds to relinquish their champion’s status with a whimper.

Dean Huijsen race could be finished in 10 days as Liverpool look to use big advantage over Chelsea - opinion	Fabrizio Romano hints at three clubs out of Dean Huijsen race	Liverpool lead the race to sign ‘aggressive’ Premier League star wanted by Arne Slot

This time, the need for a new central defender is not quite as pressing, but it is clearly something Liverpool are keen to address.

With that in mind, Dean Huijsen has been heavily linked with a £50m move from Bournemouth.

However, with the race for Huijsen getting crowded, Liverpool have a clear alternative who may be even better.

Photo by Harry Murphy – Danehouse/Getty Images

The early signs would indicate that Huijsen is Liverpool’s top target for a centre-back addition this summer.

However, Chelsea want Huijsen as well, while the 20-year-old is reportedly holding out for Real Madrid to come in for him.

MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES

With so much focus on Huijsen, the market for other centre-backs may be slightly more open than usual.

And it’s in this landscape which Liverpool should push ahead to try and sign Nottingham Forest’s Brazilian stopper Murillo.

READ MORE: Why Liverpool must resist temptation to sell ‘generational’ Ben Doak this summer as Bournemouth line up swoop

Murillo has been on Liverpool’s radar for a little while and although he may cost a little more than Huijsen, the 22-year-old has the potential to be just as good.

Forest will fight tooth and nail to keep Murillo, which may put the Reds off, but with Huijsen potentially heading elsewhere, he is worth the battle.

Part of the appeal of the deal for Huijsen is that he is get-able this summer for a set fee of £50m.

The belief within the game appears to be that his true value is far more.

MinutesPass AccuracyTackles WonDuels WonAerial Duels WonDean Huijsen2,05084.8%69.7%56.5%59.8%Murillo2,84078.7%67.3%59.6%64.3%Ibrahima Konate2,23390.6%69.4%65.6%70.4%

It may be worth paying a slightly heftier fee just to avoid the scramble to sign Huijsen, though, and reports have previously suggested that Murillo could cost £70m.

Ibrahima Konate’s future is in question and if the Frenchman does indeed leave, that is the kind of money Liverpool should expect to pay on his replacement.

Getting the discount on Huijsen is certainly attractive, but by paying £20m more, Liverpool would also be guaranteed a top young defender who is only going to get better.

If Liverpool want to get the next best thing to Ibou, then we don’t think it’s Huijsen, we’d go for Murillo.


For more news relating to Chelsea, visit our sister site Chelsea Latest Live.