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Shockwaves at Anfield: Iraola’s First Transfer Target Revealed – A €70M Raid on Real Madrid?!

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Andoni Iraola, not yet officially announced as Liverpool’s head coach, is already making waves with transfer requests! Reports indicate he’s eyeing a familiar face for a crucial defensive role at Anfield, even as the transfer window looms just days away.

The Reds are bracing for a busy summer. While wide attackers and a new midfielder are high on the priority list, Iraola seems to have a specific defender in mind, a player he knows well from his past coaching tenure.

Player Current Club Reported Value Previous Connection to Iraola
Dean Huijsen Real Madrid €70m (£60.4m) Coached at Bournemouth

Iraola’s Bold Request: Targeting a Former Protégé

Sources suggest that Andoni Iraola has specifically asked Liverpool to pursue Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen. This isn’t a random pick; Iraola previously coached Huijsen during his time at Bournemouth before the young talent made a blockbuster move to Los Blancos.

The 21-year-old Spain international is reportedly valued at a staggering €70m (£60.4m). This price tag would represent a significant profit for the Bernabeu outfit, but any deal would hinge on the player’s desires and Real Madrid’s future plans.

“Iraola has reportedly asked Liverpool to sign Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen, who he previously coached at Bournemouth before the Spain international joined Los Blancos last year.”

The potential move comes as Liverpool faces a defensive reshuffle, especially after the unexpected departure of Ibrahima Konate, who coincidentally appears to be heading to Real Madrid.

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Huijsen’s History with Liverpool and Real Madrid

Intriguingly, Liverpool had previously been in the running to sign Huijsen in 2025 when he was still at Bournemouth. However, the Reds reportedly backed off once it became clear that his preference was a move to the 15-time European champions.

His first season at the Bernabeu has been a mixed bag, with reports from Fichajes indicating he’s blown “hot and cold.” However, the 6-foot-5 defender offers a compelling profile: he’s already familiar with Iraola’s tactical blueprint and has shown he can handle the physical demands of the Premier League, even at a young age.

The Road Ahead: Hurdles and Potential Concerns

A major question mark remains: would Huijsen be willing to leave Real Madrid after just one year? He enjoyed significant playtime, starting 33 matches across LaLiga and the Champions League during the 2025/26 season, so a lack of game-time isn’t pushing him out.

Furthermore, Liverpool would need to consider Huijsen’s injury record. He experienced six separate, albeit brief, absences during his debut campaign at the Bernabeu. While these reports should be taken with a grain of salt for now, the unfolding transfer saga under Iraola’s potential leadership will be fascinating to watch!

Key Takeaways

  • Andoni Iraola, Liverpool’s presumptive new head coach, has reportedly requested the signing of Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen.
  • Huijsen, previously coached by Iraola at Bournemouth, is valued at €70m (£60.4m).
  • Liverpool had previously pursued Huijsen in 2025 but lost out to Real Madrid.
  • Concerns include Huijsen’s willingness to leave Real Madrid after one year and his recent injury history.

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