Slot's Dutch Connection: Liverpool Manager Pushes Hughes to Land Beukema

Liverpool are actively weighing up a move for Napoli centre-back Sam Beukema after Arne Slot personally urged the club's recruitment apparatus to pursue the €35m defender, according to reports.

The Reds' defensive stocks are being stretched thin ahead of next season. Ibrahima Konate, Giovanni Leoni, Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Rhys Williams make up the current central defensive contingent when fully fit, but the picture is decidedly murky. Konate and Williams both see their deals expire this summer, whilst Van Dijk has now turned 34. Leoni remains sidelined since suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in September 2025, and Gomez—perpetually battling injury—is contracted only until 2027. Jeremy Jacquet will bolster the ranks upon his official arrival from Rennes next season.

Konate appears set to extend his Anfield tenure, with the French international telling BBC Sport on April 20 that negotiations with the club were progressing smoothly. "There are many things people have said, but for a long time we have spoken with the club and we are close to an agreement," he explained. "I think everyone wished for that for as soon as possible but we are in a good way. For sure, there is a big chance that I'm here next season."

Yet Slot has evidently concluded that reinforcement remains essential. The Liverpool manager has made his intentions crystal clear to Richard Hughes and the recruitment team, pushing directly for Beukema to be brought in. Slot harbours genuine admiration for his fellow Dutchman, having previously attempted to sign him during his Feyenoord days when Beukema was at Go Ahead Eagles.

Liverpool have now begun their assessment of the 27-year-old, who arrived at Napoli from Bologna last summer on a contract running through 2030. The Italian outfit are under no pressure to offload their recent acquisition and will demand a minimum of €35million (£30m) to entertain any departure.