Ahead of his 34th birthday, Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk is still performing at a high level. He still has the makings of a top-level performer for a few more years, but the club are also looking at potential long-term successors.
According to GIVEMESPORT, Liverpool are continuing their scouting of Brighton’s Dutch defender Jan Paul van Hecke and could make a move for him in the transfer market this summer.
Van Hecke joined Brighton from NAC Breda in 2020, and after loan spells at Heerenveen and Blackburn, he has become a regular first-team player. He has made over 80 appearances so far and has been named in the starting line-up for most of the small season.
He has the high level of technique required of a modern centre-back, and can build attacks from the final line with accurate passes and feeds. He is also known for his defensive skills against opponents and has the image of a clever type of defender. He is only 24 years old and has not yet reached his prime and should be able to play at Anfield for more than five years.
He has a contract remaining until June 2027, and it cannot be ruled out that a hefty transfer fee would be demanded to bring him in. He is also from the same country as manager Arne Slot, and with Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch in addition to Van Dijk, it is no surprise that a move to Liverpool would be attractive.
So does the 24-year-old centre-back, who made his debut for the Dutch national team in September 2024, have a future at Anfield next season…?