Liverpool make contact with Premier League club over £50m-rated star as Spurs and Chelsea circle

Liverpool spent heavily last summer in the transfer window under Arne Slot, and it appears the club are willing to invest in the playing squad once again to rebuild their team for next season.

The Reds may have won the Premier League last season, but there was a feeling going into that campaign that it could be a transitional year at the club.

That may not have panned out, but it appears their transitional year has been this season as they look willing to bid farewell to some long-serving players to rebuild their side.

A particular area that Liverpool may be aiming to strengthen is in central defence, as this has been a concern for the Reds this campaign.

The failure to sign Marc Guehi last summer before some injuries at crucial times to defenders has impacted their season, and so the need to bring in reinforcements to increase the options they have in this position to challenge for the title next season is pivotal.

Jan Paul van Hecke of Brighton and Hove Albion in action during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea (Getty Images)

Now it has been reported in the Voetbal International that Liverpool are set to chase Brighton and Hove Albion’s Jan Paul van Hecke.

It is believed that the Dutch centre-back would be valued at £50 million by the Seagulls as Liverpool try to pry him away from a Premier League rival.

Van Hecke joined Brighton in September 2020, but he would not make his debut for the club until 2022 after having spent two campaigns on loan at Heerenveen and Blackburn Rovers.

Across the previous three seasons the Dutch defender has been a reliable option at the back for Brighton, playing in at least 28 league games in each campaign, a much-needed quality the Reds are looking for in a defender.

The 25-year-old’s appearances for Brighton have clearly impressed many, as he made his debut for the Netherlands in September 2024 against Germany and has gone on to make 10 caps for his nation.

Meanwhile, not only Liverpool are interested in acquiring the services of the Dutch centre-back, as Premier League rivals Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are also keen to make a deal with Brighton.