New 20-year-old centre-back on Liverpool WATCHLIST

There is considerable uncertainty at the heart of Liverpool’s defence even though Virgil van Dijk recently secured a contract extension.

The 33-year-old club legend will remain on Merseyside until 2027 at least having signed a new, mammoth two-year deal.

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And while Van Dijk’s new terms allow club bosses and fans alike to breathe a little easier, Liverpool’s other centre-back options all appear up in the air.

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Ibrahima Konate is out of contract in 2026 and is reported to be seeking a HUGE improvement on his current salary to renew. If no deal can be tied together soon then sporting director Richard Hughes could opt to cash in.

Liverpool linked with Huijsen deal

Joe Gomez remains injured and having failed to win over Arne Slot the long-serving utility man could end up being shopped around once again this summer.

Jarell Quansah started the season in possession of a starting place and signed a new contract but his first-team prospects look far less secure these days and up to six teams reported to be interested in his services.

Accordingly, several central defenders have been linked with incoming transfers, the most notable being Dean Huijsen.

The 20-year-old Bournemouth stopper has got a £50 million release clause in his contract and the Cherries are reported to be seeking a quick deal with interested parties.

Liverpool do face competition for the Spaniard from elsewhere in the Premier League as well as Bayern Munich and so alternatives may well come into play.

Joel Ordonez on Liverpool "watchlist"

Jorrel Hato is another name linked and Levi Colwill has once again been tipped to come back onto the radar.

And now another 20-year-old has come into focus with his club reportedly seeking a €40m to €45m fee for his services this summer. Club Brugge standout Joel Ordonez has been one of the rising stars in the game over the past 18 months or so.

Now a full Ecuador international, the central defender has been prominent in the Champions League this season for his side with Liverpool recruitment staff reportedly watching him over two legs against Aston Villa.

That’s according to a new story in Just Arsenal, which claims the Gunners are also in contention for his signature.

Club were knocked out by the English side but Ordonez enhanced his reputation due to his performances in the last-16 tie.

Liverpool have now got Ordonez on “their watchlist” according to the report amid plans to overhaul their defensive options this summer.

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Under contract until 2028, Ordonez has also attracted the attentions of AC Milan, Chelsea, Brighton, Newcastle and Villa.

Whether he ends up being sold this summer remains to be seen but Liverpool will be keeping a close eye on developments as the Belgian season draws to a close.