Liverpool’s summer transfer window plans are starting to look clearer after a big week for the club.

The Reds have been able to box off the futures of both Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, leaving them with two less, enormous tasks for the off-season.

Had both players headed for the exit, Liverpool would have had a big job on trying to replace them.

In the case of Van Dijk, many supporters have surmised that Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen could be a natural successor to the Dutchman.

And even with Van Dijk staying on for at least the next two years, there have been strong reports that Liverpool are leading the race to sign Huijsen.

However, although the young Spaniard is causing excitement amongst the fanbase, Huijsen has delivered a big warning that Liverpool should steer clear of him this summer.

Photo by Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty ImagesPhoto by Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty ImagesLiverpool should avoid Dean Huijsen mistake

First of all, it’s important to state that Huijsen is clearly an excellent player. He may even be a future best defender in the world.

He is available for £50m this summer owing to a release clause in his Bournemouth contract and if Liverpool see him as a Van Dijk successor, then it could be smart to bring him in. It seems they are working towards that.

“Chelsea and Liverpool both intent on Dean Huijsen,” journalist Ben Jacobs reported on Thursday.

Having said that, there have been plenty of reports that Huijsen’s dream is to play for Real Madrid, and judging by what Jacobs goes on to say, it sounds as though this is something he would eventually push for.

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“Several clubs have enquired, but Real Madrid yet to crystallise their interest despite Huijsen hoping they do,” he says. “Premier League move most likely as it stands, with clubs wanting a deal done fast.”

Liverpool could well tie up a deal for Huijsen and enjoy his quality for the next handful of years. But those Real Madrid dreams are unlikely to go away. The Reds could save themselves a lot of trouble down the road and simply avoid the future heartache of Huijsen pushing to leave. Time to shop elsewhere.

Piero Hincapie is the ideal Liverpool signing

Some fans would scoff at the idea of ignoring Huijsen on the off-chance that he pushes for a move to Madrid some years down the line.

But, in our opinion, Van Dijk’s new contract make this especially pertinent. Had the 33-year-old left, there would have been a gaping hole in Liverpool’s defence immediately. Perhaps Huijsen could have filled it.

Minutes Goals Pass Accuracy Tackles Won Duels Won Aerial Duels Won Dean Huijsen 1,960 2 84.4% 67.7% 56.1% 60.2% Piero Hincapie 2,296 2 89.9% 79.5% 61.1% 59.8%

Now that Van Dijk is staying, however, the Reds are going to need someone who can bide their time as a back-up before stepping in two or more years down the line. Still only 19, Huijsen can be that man. But if he’s angling for a transfer when that time comes, then what’s the point?

Instead, we think Liverpool would be better off looking at Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie. Reports have suggested that Hincapie is available for £42m this summer and he would fit the remit better than Huijsen.

Still young at 23, Hincapie could yet develop into the starting centre-back Liverpool will ultimately need. But with no flirtations with Real Madrid to speak of, he’s a safer bet to be in it for the long-haul.