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Dean Huijsen poses in his Real Madrid presentation at Valdebebas training ground on June 10, 2025 in Madrid, Spain(Image: Antonio Villalba/Real Madrid via Getty Images)

As starts to the transfer window go, it has been impressive by Liverpool.

The Premier League champions have already signed Jeremie Frimpong and are closing in on deals for his former Bayer Leverkusen team-mate Florian Wirtz as well as Bournemouth's Milos Kerkez.

The pre-arranged transfer of Giorgi Mamardashvili and the arrival of Armin Pecsi has also bolstered the Reds' goalkeeping ranks and allowed Caoimhin Kelleher to move to Brentford to fulfil his desire of being a No.1.

Liverpool also banked a considerable fee to allow Trent Alexander-Arnold to complete his free transfer move to Real Madrid early.

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So far, so good, then, for head coach Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes.

But there is one player who got away.

And it's a player who will be playing his football next season alongside the former Reds vice-captain at the Bernabeu.

Liverpool put themselves in the mix for Dean Huijsen when it became clear that clubs at home and abroad were ready to activate the £50m release clause in the centre-back's Bournemouth clause.

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However, the 20-year-old made the move to Real Madrid, where he will work under new manager and former Anfield favourite Xabi Alonso, and play as part of a new-look defence also featuring Alexander-Arnold.

And, speaking at his Madrid unveiling, Huijsen made it clear that the Reds, and the other clubs who also pursued his signature, stood little chance.

The Spain international said: "A lot was said but I just concentra­ted on my football, giving everything at Bournemouth and trying to finish the season in the right way.

"I wanted to be here from the first day; once Real Madrid called I didn’t have eyes for any other teams.

For me, Real Madrid is the best club in the world and there is no other club when they appear.

“I think my first nice memory of Real Madrid was the (Champions League) final in 2014 in which Sergio Ramos scored in the last minute of added time.

He’s my biggest idol, the best centre-back in history.

“I wouldn’t say there is one thing about him (to single out), but all the things he had: he was the most complete centre-back too.

“I fit very well the football that Xabi wants to play and I am going to try to contribute to the team; anything I can do to help, I’m delighted to do so.

“We have spoken a bit about what he expects from me, and I think these will be nice years.

Bringing the ball out is something I have, as well as defending.

“I think I have shown I am ready.