Liverpool Track Eredivisie Defensive Duo as Long Term Planning Takes Shape
Liverpool’s January window has carried a clear message, the club is investing in tomorrow as much as today. Credit must go to DaveOCKOP for the original reporting behind this story, with their exclusive revealing how Anfield recruitment staff continue to look toward the Netherlands for defensive reinforcement.
Their report stated, “DaveOCKOP.com can exclusively reveal that Liverpool are showing interest in Ajax centre-back Youri Baas and PSV defender Ryan Flamingo”, a line that underlines the growing importance of Eredivisie scouting within Liverpool’s current model.
This follows the confirmation that “The Anfield club have managed to sign Jeremy Jacquet for €60m plus €10m add-ons, with a 5-year contract + 1 year option ready for the Frenchman to sign”. While Jacquet will only arrive at the end of the campaign, the message from the club is already clear, future proofing the back line is a priority under Arne Slot.
Liverpool defensive planning under Slot
Slot’s tactical demands rely heavily on defenders who can operate in high spaces and control the ball under pressure. DaveOCKOP noted that “despite the defensive reinforcements, it seems that Liverpool is still looking to future-proof their backline”, and that principle is reflected in the two names now under consideration.
Liverpool are not chasing numbers, they are targeting profiles. This is about building a defensive group that can grow together over several seasons while adapting to Slot’s possession driven style.
One club source was quoted internally as saying, “The aim is not just depth, it is evolution, Liverpool want centre-backs who can define how they play for years.”
Youri Baas brings balance and versatility
Baas has become a mainstay at Ajax this season and continues to develop quickly. According to the original report, “Baas is primarily deployed as a left-sided centre-back but can also operate at left-back when required”, a trait that aligns well with Liverpool’s preference for flexible defensive options.
With 27 appearances across all competitions, including heavy Champions League involvement, Baas already looks comfortable at elite level. DaveOCKOP also confirmed that “He is contracted to Ajax until June 2028, and Liverpool efforts for the 22-year-old are looking promising”, which suggests groundwork has already been laid.
A player of Baas’ profile would offer natural cover on the left side of defence while providing competition for starting roles in the coming seasons.
Ryan Flamingo fits Liverpool’s ball playing vision
Flamingo’s appeal is rooted in how he moves the ball. DaveOCKOP described him as, “renowned for his exceptional ball-playing abilities and progressive passing”, and that wording mirrors exactly what Slot looks for in his defensive midfield and central defence.
The PSV captain has contributed 2 goals in 20 Eredivisie matches while also playing in four Champions League games this season. His ability to step into midfield gives Liverpool another tactical layer when controlling matches.
However, the report also acknowledged that “both players are showing a bit of cold feet regarding a potential move”, largely due to the volume of defensive arrivals already planned. Liverpool have attempted to address those concerns by making their long term strategy clear.
As DaveOCKOP explained, “they want a young crop of centre-backs to compete with each other for spots in the coming years”, a philosophy that has been repeatedly emphasised at Anfield.
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From a supporter’s standpoint, this update feels like a sign of maturity rather than hesitation. Liverpool are no longer reacting to problems, they are preventing them. Slot’s football requires defenders who are brave on the ball, tactically intelligent and physically reliable, and both Baas and Flamingo tick those boxes.
There will always be anxiety about too many players arriving at once, but competition is how elite squads stay sharp. Jacquet, Ndiaye, Baas and Flamingo could form a core that grows together under Slot’s guidance.
Fans should also take encouragement from Liverpool’s willingness to invest early. Waiting until a crisis emerges has cost clubs dearly in the past. This approach suggests that Liverpool are building for sustained title challenges rather than short bursts of success.
One thing is clear, the club’s recruitment team believe that the next great Liverpool defence will be built from the ground up, not patched together. If these Eredivisie links develop, supporters could be watching the foundations of the next era being quietly put in place.
